Best Grants for Museums in California

The Ocean Acidification, Hypoxia, and Harmful Algal Bloom Solicitation aims to enhance scientific understanding of critical water quality issues affecting California's coastal ecosystems. It provides funding for two tracks: understanding the biological impacts of ocean acidification and hypoxia, and researching harmful algal blooms for early warning and ecosystem resilience. This initiative is part of California Climate Investments, addressing growing environmental threats to coastal communities.

The mission of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is to accelerate world class science to deliver transformative regenerative medicine treatments in an equitable manner to a diverse California and world. In support of this mission, CIRM’s governing board approved a structured, data-driven Strategic Allocation Framework (SAF) in 2024 to prioritize resources and maximize the impact of CIRM’s funding.

Designed in response to this framework, CIRM’s new Discovery Programs include complementary funding opportunities that support research at different scales and levels of maturity, emphasizing multidisciplinary innovation, knowledge sharing and leveraging synergies across CIRM-funded programs. These new funding opportunities support comprehensive, discovery research across a diverse range of diseases and bottlenecks to accelerate the development of potential therapeutics and biomarkers in regenerative medicine.

DISC4 Awards

Supporting Multidisciplinary, Collaborative Research

DISC4 supports expansive, cross-disciplinary and integrated studies led by collaborative teams applying a range of technologies and approaches to accelerate foundational insights in disease biology. 

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects are expected to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

• Discovering novel mechanistic insights or advance our understanding of human diseases;
• Extending understanding of disease mechanisms to all affected human populations;
• Identification and validation of novel therapeutic strategies, targets, and/or biomarker(s).

Focus Area (Fiscal Year 2026/2027): Immune-Tissue Interplay in Disease, Homeostasis, and Repair

CIRM is seeking multidisciplinary proposals focused on elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the human immune system interacts with and influences tissues, particularly in the context of pathology, injury or regeneration. See PA for illustrative examples. While priority will be given to proposals aligned with this focus area, proposals outside this area may be considered if they represent a compelling opportunity to advance DISC4 program goals.

The NWS Student Travel Grants, offered by the Northwest Scientific Association, provide financial assistance up to $1,000 for students to attend and present at the 2025 NWSA Annual Meeting in Eugene, OR, on March 18-19. Eligible applicants must be current NWSA student members and engaged in research relevant to the Northwest. The funding covers registration, travel, accommodation, and presentation costs, facilitating scholarly exchange and professional development for students in the region.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's Pierce's Disease and Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Board provides vital funding for research and outreach projects aimed at protecting vineyards from serious pests and diseases. Focus areas include Pierce's disease, grapevine red blotch, and various insect threats, with awards ranging from $4,300 to $383,000. The program encourages multi-disciplinary projects that deliver practical solutions to enhance the sustainability of California's winegrape industry.

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 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 Hillblom Foundation Fellowship supports post-doctoral research training in two key areas. Eligible candidates must be committed to their research and demonstrate promising prior performance. The host institution must provide necessary infrastructure and mentorship, ensuring the fellow develops independence. The fellowship requires annual reporting and participation in the Hillblom Scientific Meeting. Renewal is contingent on satisfactory progress. This grant prioritizes applicants who have not previously held a fellowship and have recently completed their doctorate.

The CA Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) Grants provide essential technical and financial support to local communities in California facing imminent threats from natural disasters like floods and wildfires. This program assists eligible sponsors, including local government and tribal organizations, in implementing crucial conservation practices to safeguard life and property. By enabling recovery projects and floodplain easements, EWP fosters resilience and sustainable management of vital watershed resources for the benefit of all communities.

The CA ACEP - Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) program, managed by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, is designed to protect the agricultural viability of eligible lands. This initiative helps landowners, including tribes and local governments, by limiting non-agricultural uses through conservation easements. ALE enhances public benefits such as environmental quality and wildlife habitat while ensuring the long-term stewardship of agricultural lands, vital for maintaining the nation's food supply.

The Ford Transfer Scholars Program provides scholarships of up to $40,000 per year for community college students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Aimed at those with financial need, this program supports students ready to transfer to four-year colleges. Selection is based on resilience and academic potential, with no minimum GPA requirement. Scholarships are renewable and cover tuition, living expenses, and other necessary costs to help students achieve their bachelor's degrees.

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Celebrate Rural Schools Grant Program

The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company is proud to offer the Celebrate Rural Schools grant program, which will support projects that celebrate, strengthen, and elevate the unique identity of rural schools and the communities they serve. This grant supports projects that celebrate the unique culture, achievements, and identity of rural schools and their communities. It encourages districts to amplify local voices, showcase student success, and strengthen community connections. 

• Eligible applicants must be a member of the CFO's Rural Schools Partnership program.
• Total amount to award is $100,000.00.
• This is a single year grant program with final reports due in May 2027.
• Applicants may apply for up to $5,000 in funding for this grant cycle. 

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks and its Rural Schools Partnership Program are committed to supporting rural schools. In awarding grants, the CFO and its affiliates will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. As part of the grant process, all grantees will be required to affirm that, in providing services funded in whole or in part by a CFO grant, the grantee will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services. 

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Jack Handford Summer Internship

The Western Region actively supports student members who show promise as new professionals and encourages institutions and students to apply for the Jack Handford Summer Internship offered every other year, i.e. 2026 and 2028. The internship is appropriate for students with majors such as costume studies, material culture, museum studies, fashion history, or similar. The internship is intended to average duration of six weeks or a total of 120 hours. The grant may change depending on the budget; the 2024 winner received $3,000.

Student applicants must be current CSA Western Region members to apply. Check the forms: Institution Application and Student Application. All forms and other materials stated in the form should be submitted to Naomi Arnst, CSA-Western Region, Student Awards and Summer Internship Chair.

The Bike Safety and Awareness Grant, offered by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, aims to enhance community education on bike safety and coexistence with vehicles. With a total of $17,000 available, two grants of up to $8,500 each will be awarded. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) designated and promote cycling safety in California. This initiative honors Maggie, a dedicated advocate for bike safety, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to impactful philanthropy.

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) for Tribal Applicants in California offers funding to support affordable housing initiatives. This program accepts applications until September 24, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. It aims to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low-income and very low-income households through loans and grants. Eligible applicants can utilize these funds for various housing-related activities, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.

The Division of Boating and Waterways Aquatic Center Boating Safety Education Grant for FY25 aims to enhance public knowledge of boating safety. It funds organizations that provide on-water education courses covering vital topics like boating laws, vessel handling, and weather conditions. Eligible applicants include local agencies and nonprofits operating within California's waterways, ensuring that safety education reaches a wide audience and promotes responsible boating practices.

The Ford Opportunity Scholars Program offers scholarships to parents and adult learners over 25 with financial barriers to education in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Annually, up to 90 scholarships are awarded, providing up to $40,000 per year based on need and costs. Support includes financial assistance, academic guidance, and a connection to the Ford Family alumni community, aiming to empower students in their pursuit of an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Each year, California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions honor distinguished industry leaders and volunteers during the Leagues’ REACH Conference.

Tomorrow’s Star Award

The Tomorrow’s Star Award recognizes the achievements by young credit union professionals age 35 and under.

The Climate, Access, and Resource (CAR) Funding program, administered by the California Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, provides financial support for projects that enhance climate resilience, community access, and natural resource protection in the Delta region. With a total allocation of over $11 million from the 2021 and 2022 Budget Acts, the program aims to fund initiatives that promote biodiversity, protect food and water security, and improve public health and equity for local communities.

Marinas, harbors, and other facility operators in California can seek funding to install or upgrade sewage pumpout and dump stations for recreational boats. Grants from California Department of Parks and Recreation reimburse up to 75% of eligible construction and renovation costs, which may benefit museums or cultural institutions that manage waterfront or boating facilities.

Urban Greening 2026

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

The 2026 Urban Greening Grant Program will solicit Step 1 Concept Proposals (between May 4-June 4) and extend invitations to submit Step 2 Full Proposals in July 2026.

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.

Urban Greening projects must comply with all the following:

• Be located in an urban area;
• Provide public benefit; and
• Provide public access

The Quality Jobs Fund, a $100 million initiative, aims to enhance community well-being by creating sustainable, well-paid jobs and providing skill development in underserved areas, primarily Arizona, California, and Nevada. By funding intermediaries, the program supports organizations that offer financing for small business growth and job training. This initiative focuses on long-term employment opportunities that ensure a living wage, safe working conditions, and pathways for upward mobility, ultimately fostering economic stability for working families.

California museums, research institutions, and similar organizations focused on sustainable pest management can seek funding for integrated pest management research, tools, outreach, and implementation projects. Focused on reducing pesticide impacts on human health and the environment, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation offers US $50,000 - US $1,000,000 for projects in agricultural, urban, or wildland settings.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Jill Barrett Research Award in Biology offers prestigious research opportunities for undergraduate students at Northeastern University. This competitive program focuses on environmental sciences and behavioral neuroscience, providing mentorship, advanced research skills, and professional development. Participants engage in an 11-week summer project, culminating in a formal presentation of their research. Paid positions are available with on-campus housing at the Oakland campus, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

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.