Best Grants for Museums in California

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.

Proposition 4 – Wildfire and Forest Resilience is a funding opportunity offered by the California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. It aims to support projects focused on watershed improvement, wildfire resilience, and forest restoration while promoting workforce development for disadvantaged communities. Applicants must submit a Concept Proposal followed by a Full Application if selected. This initiative enhances ecological health and creates career pathways in vulnerable populations.

The California Library Literacy Services grant provides essential funding for public libraries in California to develop and implement adult literacy programs. By offering free tutoring, this initiative aims to enhance literacy among adults, empowering them to achieve personal and professional goals. Libraries selected for funding will participate in the 2026-2027 project cycle, ensuring continued support for ongoing literacy efforts that enrich the community and preserve the state's unique history.

The Carol Baird Student Award for Field Research, established in 2017 by the JiJi Foundation, supports UC Berkeley students conducting high-quality research on California's natural history. With awards up to $25,000, the program is open to undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students. The funding is intended for field research starting in 2026, encouraging innovative inquiries into the state's diverse ecosystems, while also allowing past applicants to revise and resubmit their proposals.

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 AW Environmental Grant Program, backed by American Water Works Company, Inc., aims to support community-driven projects focused on water conservation and the protection of vital water resources. Since 2012, the foundation has invested over $15 million in innovative initiatives that enhance access to clean water and promote responsible water usage in underserved communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) charities and educational institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

About the NCGA

The NCGA is dedicated to helping NorCal golfers enjoy golf more. We work to deliver competitive and casual playing opportunities for golfers of all abilities, provide Rules of Golf education and Handicap Index services, celebrate golf in the region and bring members valuable benefits through our partners in the game. We have over 200k members belonging to over 1,300 clubs.

NCGA Reach Grant Program

The NCGA's vision is “to ensure the game of golf is vibrant, inclusive, and accessible.” To help achieve this vision in partnership with our public access golf facilities and programs, we launched a new grant program called NCGA Reach.

The objective of the grant program is to help enable Northern California public golf facilities and public programs to test new programming to be more inclusive, enhance the diversity of golfers in our region, and help grow the game of golf.

We are allocating funding, available through approved grant applications, to provide financial assistance to test and expand facility-led pilot programs. These programs may include, but are not limited to, new event formats, mentorship, parental engagement, training, insight research and more.

NCGA Reach will provide recipients with up to $25K each. We focus on funding projects that align with the NGCA Foundation's mission and priorities.

Projects focused on growing golf participation among underrepresented groups through programs that are:

• Innovative but practical
• Scalable and repeatable
• Multi-year rather than one-time events
• Designed to create measurable participation growth

The California Library Literacy Services grant offers funding to public libraries in California to develop adult literacy programs. This initiative aims to enhance literacy levels among adults, enabling them to achieve personal and professional goals. Libraries participating in this program will receive annual funds to support continuous literacy efforts, fostering a more literate community. The grant is aimed at addressing the urgent need for adult literacy improvement across the state.

The Active Transportation Grant Program aims to promote increased use of active transportation modes, such as biking and walking, throughout California. This program consolidates various federal and state transportation efforts and allocates significant funding annually to enhance safety and mobility for non-motorized users. The ATP also focuses on advancing public health and ensuring that disadvantaged communities benefit from transportation improvements, ultimately striving to make California a leader in active transportation initiatives.

The Milton and Sophie Meyer Fund Grant supports Jewish charities, primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area. Established by Milton Meyer, who lived from 1885 to 1978, the fund aims to foster arts, education, health, and human services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and focus on Jewish community needs. This grant enhances community welfare through diverse program areas, embodying a commitment to support and uplift Jewish charities in California.

California Department of Health Care Access and Information

Mission: HCAI expands access to quality, equitable, affordable health care for all Californians by supporting high value delivery systems, resilient health facilities and workforces, and actionable health information and strategies.

HCAI is committed to expanding access to quality, equitable, affordable health care for all Californians by supporting high value delivery systems, resilient health facilities and workforces, and actionable health information and strategies.

California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT) Program – California’s Implementation

The California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT) program is California’s approach to the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), led by the Department of Health Care Access and Information, with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversight. CalRHT is designed to strengthen health care delivery in rural communities where access challenges, workforce shortages, and infrastructure gaps create unique barriers to care.

CalRHT Workforce Development Recruitment and Retention Program

Background and Mission

The Workforce Development Recruitment and Retention Program (WDRR), established under Initiative 2: Workforce Development of the California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT) Program, aims to strengthen and sustain the rural healthcare workforce by improving recruitment, retention, and training for Health Professionals. WDRR funds eligible organizations to retain Health Professionals already practicing in rural communities and to recruit eligible Health Professionals to qualifying rural sites.

WDRR is an organizational grant program. HCAI awards grants to eligible rural-serving organizations who will provide bonuses to Health Professionals at their qualifying rural sites. Every bonus to Health Professionals carries a uniform five-year service obligation. 

The Raley’s, Bashas’, and Food City Project Learning Garden Grant Program, supported by the Captain Planet Foundation, offers schools valuable resources for STEAM education through garden-based learning. Schools will receive raised garden beds, a mobile cooking cart, access to online lessons, and professional development for teachers. This initiative promotes hands-on learning and healthy eating, enriching students' educational experiences while fostering a connection to nature. A total package valued at $7,500 will enhance the learning environment for students.

The Douglas Foundation Grant aims to enhance equitable access to education, healthcare, and the arts, focusing on improving the lives of children and women in California. The Foundation accepts grant applications year-round from credible not-for-profit organizations, prioritizing those that effectively utilize at least 80% of their revenues for direct services. Preference is given to agencies serving disadvantaged communities, particularly in Los Angeles County, while ensuring that operational costs are minimized.

The California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) has established a $1 million funding pool for research on consumer affordability challenges and cost drivers using the Healthcare Payments Database (HPD). This initiative aims to support up to five grantees, with awards of up to $500,000 available this and the following spring. Researchers are encouraged to utilize alternative dissemination channels outside of CHCF’s traditional publication routes to share their findings.

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-26-601 - Charger Service Skills Accelerator

Purpose

This is a competitive grant solicitation. The California Energy Commission’s (CEC’s) Clean Transportation Program announces the availability of up to $6,000,000 in grant funds for projects that will increase the qualified workforce needed to service electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment. 

Funding will support training that leads to portable, industry-recognized credentials and may be used to expand existing training programs to include EV charging equipment service.

The Consolidated Application (ConApp) is used by the California Department of Education (CDE) to distribute categorical funds from various federal programs (e.g., Title I, Part A; Title II) to county offices, school districts, and direct funded charter schools throughout California.

The Joseph H. Stahlberg Foundation, honoring its founder's legacy, offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations engaged in medical, psychiatric, or psychological research, particularly focusing on dementia, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease. With nearly $2 million in charitable funds, the foundation aims to support impactful research efforts. On average, four grants are awarded annually, ensuring Mr. Stahlberg's commitment to helping those in need continues to make a difference in the community.

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

With over 38 million residents (12 percent of the US population), the State of California is the most populous state in the nation and has the third largest land area among the states (163,695 square miles). California is culturally, ethnically, economically, ecologically, and politically diverse, and maintains the eighth largest economy in the world with 13 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product. California also faces numerous risks and threats to our people, property, economy, environment and is prone to earthquakes, floods, significant wildfires, prolonged drought impacts, public health emergencies, cybersecurity attacks, agricultural and animal disasters, as well threats to homeland security. Cal OES takes a proactive approach to addressing these risks, threats, and vulnerabilities that form the basis of our mission and has been tested through real events, as well as comprehensive exercises that help us maintain our state of readiness to plan for and mitigate impacts.

Listos California CERT Support Grant (LC) Program

The purpose of the LC Program is to provide funding to a fiscal administrator which will in coordination with Cal OES, support new and existing CERT programs to build their capacity to prepare vulnerable and underserved populations including, but not limited to: providing CERT training in languages other than English, providing CERT training to underserved populations and/or populations that are at high risk for disasters, providing accommodations for training participants that have access and functional needs, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) interpretation, and building capacity to respond to disasters.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

The Marian and Pink Happ Fund, established by Mr. Pinkus Happ, aims to support underprivileged children in California. With a history rooted in family business and community support, the fund provides an average of eight grants annually to 501(c)(3) organizations. The trustees, Wells Fargo Bank N.A., ensure that the funds are directed towards impactful charitable initiatives within the state, continuing Mr. Happ's legacy of generosity and commitment to children in need.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

The Diekemper Sofia Scholarship, established by Mrs. Lou Dunn Diekemper, supports students aged 40 and older enrolled in the global program at Sofia University in Palo Alto, California. This initiative, part of the Community Foundation of West Texas, aims to create a lasting impact on students' lives through educational opportunities. By fostering personal growth and development, the scholarship helps build a stronger future for individuals and the community as a whole.

The Doctoral Student Representative Precision Medicine Research grant, funded by the California Health and Human Services Agency, aims to support approximately 15 doctoral students conducting precision medicine research in California. With a budget of $2.3 million over 2.5 years, the program focuses on including underrepresented populations in research to reduce health disparities and ensure that the benefits of precision medicine reach all communities in California.

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

Purpose

The California Air Resources Board is soliciting a Grantee for the implementation of the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project with any appropriated and allocated funds from Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 with an option to renew the Grant Agreement for the following two years (FY 2027-28 and FY 2028-29).

Description

The California Air Resources Board (CARB or the Board) is soliciting a Grantee for the implementation of the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) with any appropriated and allocated funds from Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 with an option to renew the Grant Agreement for the following two years (FY 2027-28 and FY 2028-29).

HVIP accelerates market transformation by incentivizing the purchase of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks and buses for California fleets, providing vouchers for purchasers and lessees for eligible vehicles on a first-come first-serve basis. HVIP provides increased incentives for fleets purchasing zero-emission vehicles located in disadvantaged communities with a goal of at least 50 percent of HVIP funding supporting vehicles domiciled in disadvantaged communities. In addition, HVIP incorporates a set-aside for transit vehicles.HVIP stimulates the development, deployment, and commercialization of advanced vehicle technology. These technologies are critical to help California meet its near- and long-term air-quality and climate-change goals. Additionally, the project benefits the citizens of California by providing immediate air-pollution and greenhouse-gas emission reductions. Appropriated and allocated HVIP funds will be administered and implemented through a partnership between CARB and a Grantee selected via this competitive solicitation. 

About Community Alliance with Family FarmersOur mission is to build sustainable food and farming systems through policy advocacy and on-the-ground programs that create more resilient family farms, communities, and ecosystems. CAFF’s core values form the foundation on which we conduct our programs and activities. The values support our work, how we interact with each other, and how we fulfill our mission.

About California Underserved and Small Producer ProgramThe California Underserved and Small Producer (CUSP) Program is designed to facilitate support for small and medium scale California agricultural producers, or small and medium scale Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (SDFR’s) through technical assistance with business planning and financial and marketing strategies, and also provides direct farmer grants for drought relief for those same priority groups. Funding:

• Farmers can receive up to $20,000 in CUSP funding in a 12-month period, regardless of the granting organization(s).
• Eligible producers may receive up to $20,000 in CUSP Drought Relief funds as well as up to $20,000 in CUSP Extreme Weather Relief funds (for a total of up to $40,000) within a 12-month period (from date of CDFA approval/verification)

The Tobacco Grant Program in California, established under Proposition 56, aims to reduce illegal sales and marketing of tobacco products to minors. Administered by the Office of the Attorney General, it has provided about $184.7 million in funding since 2017 to local law enforcement agencies. This reimbursement grant program evaluates funding based on submitted proposals, ensuring financial support for effective tobacco enforcement efforts across the state.