Best Financial Assistance Grants in California

The John Jordan Foundation Grant is dedicated to enhancing the lives of vulnerable communities through targeted initiatives. With a broad focus on youth empowerment, educational readiness, health, and animal welfare, this grant aims to create lasting positive impacts. Organizations aligned with the Foundation's mission are encouraged to apply for funding to support their vital work. The Foundation prioritizes community needs, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to those who need them the most.

The Boating Access Grant Program, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, aims to enhance recreational boating access across California's waterways. This program funds various projects, including the construction of access facilities, amenities for boaters, and educational outreach. Grants cover up to 75% of project costs, requiring at least 25% funding from non-Federal sources. Eligible projects include ADA-compliant facilities, launching areas for non-motorized boats, and maintenance of existing boating access.

The Explore the Coast Overnight Program by the California Coastal Conservancy aims to enhance overnight coastal access for all Californians, particularly low-income and underserved communities. This initiative focuses on expanding affordable accommodations such as hotels, campgrounds, and hostels. Key goals include improving existing facilities, supporting innovative projects, and increasing the availability of budget-friendly lodging along California’s coast, ensuring everyone can enjoy its natural beauty.

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

California Natural Resources Agency

The California Natural Resources Agency oversees and supports more than 26 distinct departments, conservancies, and commissions. Our Agency Executive Team leads efforts to steward California’s natural environment and to advance Governor Newsom’s key priorities.

Over 25,000 Californians work within our Agency all across the state to meet our mission to protect, manage, and restore the state’s environment and its vast natural, cultural, and historical resources. We advance this work with science as our foundation and inclusion and collaboration as our guiding principles.

Urban Greening Grant Program

Funding Purpose

The Urban Greening Grant Program will fund projects that use nature-based solutions to mitigate the urban heat island effect, rising temperatures, and extreme heat impacts in urban areas.

Nature-based solutions include all the ways land can be managed to boost the health and resilience of natural systems, helping them store carbon and protect against climate change impacts, including extreme heat. Nature-based solutions that address extreme heat impacts use natural cooling strategies to limit temperature increase and urban heat islands. Examples include planting trees that provide strategic shade, expanding green spaces that serve as places of refuge during heat waves, and increasing tree canopy cover in cities, communities, and schoolyards.

Successful projects will green and cool communities and offer multiple benefits including sequestering carbon, limiting stormwater runoff, providing habitat and preserving biodiversity, protecting public health during extreme heat, increasing equity, and expanding economic and workforce opportunities. Funded projects are expected to advance the goals of the State’s Extreme Heat Action Plan and Nature-Based Solutions Climate Targets. 

California Commission for Behavioral Health

Proposition 63, approved by California voters in 2004, created the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission to drive transformational change across the state’s mental health system.

The Commission oversees the implementation of the far-reaching initiative, which imposed a 1 percent income tax on wealthy residents to pay for mental health services and established a framework for continuous improvement of mental healthcare in the state.

Partnering with public and private mental health agencies at all levels, the Commission works to ensure that people get the care they need in a timely, comprehensive, effective, and culturally competent manner. In everything, it vigorously promotes community collaboration.

Innovation Partnership Fund (IPF) Request for Application (RFA)

The Commission for Behavioral Health (CBH) is thrilled to announce the official release of the Innovation Partnership Fund (IPF) Request for Application (RFA), marking the first round of a significant multi-year investment. This initiative, established through the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), aims to award up to $20 million in grants this year to drive bold, equity-centered innovations within California’s public behavioral health system.

This groundbreaking fund is designed to invest in solutions that will fundamentally improve how mental health and substance use disorder services are delivered, experienced, and sustained across the state, with a strong focus on supporting county behavioral health departments. This RFA was built upon extensive community and system partner feedback ensuring that the initiatives supported reflect the real-world needs of Californians. It was also developed in collaboration with the California Health & Human Services Agency, the California Department of Health Care Services, the California Department of Public Health, and the California Department of Health Care Access and Information.

This first round of IPF offers two distinct grant categories, each with specific eligibility requirements: Category 1 – Small Grants; and Category 2 – Large Grants.

Category 1 – Small Grants

Grant awards of less than $500,000.

A minimum of 8 grants will be awarded, with a total of $4 million available. These grants are exclusively open to community-based organizations, non-profit entities, and/or tribal organizations.

Key Application Requirements

To be considered for this fund, applicants’ proposed solutions must:

• Be innovative by advancing new or scaled culturally competent models, practical community-centered solutions, demonstrating a clear break from the status quo, or being ready for real-world implementation;
• Address the needs of BHSA Priority Populations, including underserved, low-income, and communities impacted by other behavioral health disparities;
• Apply to and support county behavioral health programs, either directly or indirectly; and
• Address key Cross-Cutting Elements, including Equity, Financial Sustainability, Lived Experience and Community Leadership, Alignment with Statewide Transformation Efforts, and Agility/Quality Improvement Integration.

The REHABILITATIVE INVESTMENT GRANTS FOR HEALING AND TRANSFORMATION (RIGHT) GRANT 3.0 aims to support community-based, nonprofit organizations in delivering trauma-informed and restorative justice programs within CDCR institutions. The funds can be used to sustain or expand existing programs or introduce new initiatives where such support is currently lacking, promoting healing and transformation within the correctional system.

California Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to protect the public’s health and shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. Public health is for everyone; not just in emergencies but in everyday life — from heart health and mental wellness to food safety and the prevention of infectious and chronic diseases. Our programs and services, in collaboration with local health departments, state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The California Tobacco Control Branch

The California Tobacco Control Branch leads statewide and local health programs, services and activities that promote an environment truly free of tobacco. ​

Statewide Priority Population Coordinating Center 

Purpose

This Request for Application (RFA) seeks to fund one (1) Statewide Priority Population Coordinating Center (PPCC), to coordinate and foster interactive and integrative collaboration and communication among California Department of Public Health, California Tobacco Prevention Program (CDPH/CTPP)-funded projects, as well as other state, regional, and local partners to address tobacco-related disparities. The PPCC will focus on each of the following population groups starting July 1, 2026: 1) African American/Black; 2) Asian American/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI); 3) Latino; 4) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ+); 5) Rural communities. Starting July 1, 2027, the PPCC will also incorporate collaboration and communication with American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

The SAFER program aims to provide safe and affordable drinking water to over one million Californians currently without access. Established by Senate Bill 200 (SB200) in 2019, it allocates $130 million annually to help small water systems achieve compliance with drinking water standards. By offering funding for operational costs and system consolidation, SAFER is essential for ensuring sustainable access to clean water, thus supporting public health and equity in California.

The Employment Social Enterprise (ESE) Technical Assistance (TA) Program, funded by the California Employment Development Department, offers up to $1 million for the 2024-25 program year. This initiative aims to assist vulnerable populations by providing tailored support to enhance employment outcomes through work-based learning and experience. The program focuses on overcoming barriers and promoting job skills in various industry sectors and regions across California.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

The Technical Assistance Program (TAP) in California supports small business technical assistance centers that provide vital consulting and training services. Funded by the state and other sources, TAP aims to enhance support for underserved businesses and expand access to essential resources. This program focuses on established centers with proven expertise, ensuring equitable opportunities for all entrepreneurs in California, thereby fostering economic growth and job creation across the state.

The Joseph W. Tripiano Charitable Fund supports nonprofits dedicated to the care and promotion of horses. Established in memory of Joe Tripiano, it aims to enhance the quality of life for horses through various initiatives. Grant requests are accepted year-round, with a decision anticipated within four weeks of application submission. Eligible organizations must be located in Northern California, hold 501(c)(3) status, and have maintained accurate financial records. This fund prioritizes urgent needs related to equestrian support.

The California Department of Education offers funding for a statewide professional development initiative aimed at enhancing adult education programs. This grant supports activities that improve instruction in English Language Acquisition, Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education. Bidders must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be eligible for the Full Proposal. This initiative aims to ensure high-quality literacy and basic skills training for adults.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits in California can seek funding to plan and promote preservation of battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures, with awards of US $2,500 - US $10,000. Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation help launch or strengthen planning, education, and outreach initiatives that build preservation capacity and engage new audiences.

The Sunstate Equipment Foundation Grants support local charities focused on disadvantaged individuals, medical aid, housing assistance, domestic violence awareness, military and veterans' assistance, and care for abused animals. Founded in 2015, the foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that matches employee contributions dollar for dollar, reinforcing its commitment to community support and engagement. Charities in good standing can apply once every 12 months, fostering impactful initiatives where Sunstate operates.

The Flexible Assistance for Survivors (FA) Pilot Grant Program in California aims to enhance safety, healing, and financial stability for victims of crime and their families. It provides direct cash assistance ranging from $1 to $700,000. Eligible applicants include businesses and nonprofits, with funding available statewide. This initiative is designed to support those affected by crime, helping them regain stability and rebuild their lives.

The Amplifying Impact Initiative aims to strengthen the role of community health workers (CHW/P/Rs) in California's health equity landscape. By connecting 28 CHW/P/R Medi-Cal providers with essential grants and resources over 18 months, this initiative seeks to enhance the workforce's capabilities and support culturally responsive health services. Participants will also gain access to high-quality job opportunities, promoting sustainability and growth within the CHW/P/R sector.

The Better Together Nature Positive Innovation Grant Program, administered by the PG&E Corporation Foundation, offers $100,000 grants for projects in five regions focused on environmental stewardship. Applications open on May 21, 2025, targeting land, air, and water quality initiatives. Priority is given to projects benefiting disadvantaged communities. In 2024, PG&E supported nearly 1,000 grants totaling over $36 million, demonstrating a commitment to community resilience and environmental sustainability.

Purpose

The Song-Brown program funds institutions that train primary care health professionals to provide healthcare in California’s medically underserved areas.

Description:

This grant opportunity will result in funding organizations to train primary carenurse practitioners and physician assistant trainees to work in underservedcommunities. Such strategies shall incorporate the following elements:

• Establishing procedures to identify, recruit and admit primary care nursepractitioner and physician assistant trainees who possess characteristicswhich would suggest a predisposition to practice in areas of unmet need, andwho express a commitment to serve in areas of unmet need.
• Implementing counseling and placement program to encourage trainingprogram graduates to enter practice in areas of unmet need.
• Providing a preceptorship experience in an area of unmet need to enhancethe potential of training program graduates to practice in such an area.

The Sabbatical Research and Education Grant, offered by Western SARE, enables faculty worldwide to collaborate with farmers and researchers in the Western U.S. This program focuses on conducting innovative research and educational outreach in underserved regions, with an emphasis on unexplored topics. Grants up to $75,000 are available for projects spanning one year, promoting agricultural sustainability and community involvement.

The WHALE TAIL Grants Program, managed by the California Coastal Commission, supports initiatives that engage children and the public with California's coast and watersheds through hands-on education and stewardship. Projects focused on climate change impacts, beach maintenance, and habitat restoration with an educational element are encouraged. The program aims to serve underrepresented communities, ensuring a diverse geographical reach across California, thus promoting environmental awareness and coastal conservation.

The Project Acceleration Notes and Credit Enhancement Alternatives (PANACEA) Program, funded by an $8 million federal grant, aims to enhance financing for charter schools in California. This program supports the construction, purchase, and renovation of school facilities by providing credit enhancements. Additionally, it helps schools awaiting long-term debt issuance through the Authority’s Conduit Bond and Note Financing Program. The PANACEA Program is crucial for improving educational infrastructure and fostering student success in underprivileged areas.

California Energy Commission

As the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency, the California Energy Commission (CEC) plays a critical role in creating the energy system of the future—one that is clean, modern, and ensures the fifth largest economy in the world continues to thrive. Combating climate change is fundamental to maintaining California’s future. The agency’s research, programs and policies remain crucial today as the state plans for 100% clean energy and carbon neutrality by mid-century. CEC is helping create the energy system of California’s future through activities such as Planning and Policy Development, Renewable Energy Growth; Energy Efficiency; Energy Innovation; Cleaner Transportation; and Responsible Electricity Infrastructure.

GFO-25-605 – Reliable Electric Charging for Eligible School-bus Sites (RECESS)

Purpose

The California Energy Commission’s (CEC’s) Clean Transportation Program announces the availability of up to $22,000,000 in grant funds for projects that will install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for electric school buses. This is a multi-funding lane grant solicitation (first come, first served and competitive) with minimum requirements and certain conditions as further described in the manual.

Funding Lanes

This solicitation has three funding lanes: Funding Lane 1; Funding Lane 2; and Funding Lane 3

Applicants may apply for funding in only one of the three funding lanes based on their eligibility as described in Section II A. Eligibility Requirements of the attached manual.

Funding Lane 2 (Competitive)

$9 million in funding available for electric school bus charging infrastructure projects that will support existing and future electric school bus deployments by local educational agencies, as defined in Section II.A.1 of the solicitation manual. This funding lane is competitive. Private schools are not eligible applicants under this solicitation.

Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative San Diego

Investing in Nonprofit Impact

The Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative (NSI) San Diego is a pooled fund fiscally sponsored by Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties inviting applications from September 1, 2026 onward to support non-profit organizations pursuing formal sustained collaboration partnerships that increase mission impact, organizational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Strengthening Nonprofits Through Collaboration

Collaboration is one of the most powerful paths towards sustained impact, and yet it is often one of the most under-resourced. Many nonprofits lack access to the flexible, discretionary funding required to navigate complex transitions while continuing to deliver on their missions.

NSI San Diego helps close that gap by supporting a range of collaboration models, including:

• Jointly managed programs
• Back-office consolidations
• Shared ventures
• Full-scale mergers.

With the right support in place, organizations can reduce duplicative work, strengthen internal operations, and focus more of their time and energy where it matters most: serving their communities.

Responding to a Changing Nonprofit Landscape

Nonprofits today are facing increasingly destabilizing conditions that threaten their long-term viability. Federal funding cuts, heightened scrutiny, and shifting policy environments have changed what risk looks like and how quickly it can compound. The pace of these challenges means organizations are losing capacity faster than it can be rebuilt.

NSI San Diego responds to these challenges by investing in the kinds of structural supports that help nonprofits adapt, stabilize, and continue serving communities.

Implementation Grants support two or more organizations that have reached an agreement to pursue a formal collaboration following an exploratory process.

Examples of eligible costs include:

• Financial and accounting services
• Technology and systems integration
• Human resources integration
• Communications and branding
• Board development and governance transition
• Asset consolidation
• Lease termination costs
• Staff transition and severance expenses
• Legal fees (when pro bono resources are unavailable)

Implementation Grants typically range from $20,000–$50,000.

Grant funds are intended to support one-time implementation and transition costs. While implementation funding is primarily intended for external costs, organizations may request support for limited staff-related expenses if they can demonstrate a unique, time-bound role that is essential to successful implementation.

The NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.