Best Grants for Museums in California

The CalMoneySmart Grant program, managed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, offers annual grants up to $200,000 for nonprofit organizations. Its goal is to provide essential financial education and empowerment services to unbanked and underbanked Californians. Initiated by Senate Bill 455 in 2019, the program has expanded funding to enhance economic security and promote financial stability among vulnerable communities, ultimately fostering wealth-building and financial independence.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in California offers essential funding to develop community facilities in rural areas, aiming to enhance the quality of life. Eligible areas are those with populations under 20,000, and funding can cover construction, equipment purchase, and project expenses. The program prioritizes lower-income communities, providing up to 75% of project costs based on specific criteria. This initiative supports public facilities, healthcare, education, and local food systems, fostering sustainable growth in rural communities.

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.

Intimate Partner Violence Prevention (FD) Program Supplemental

Purpose

To create or expand Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Assault, and Teen Dating Violence prevention programs.

Description

The purpose of the Intimate Partner Violence Prevention (FD) Program is to prevent intimate partner violence, including teen dating violence, and sexual assault.

Requires Matched Funding: 20%

California Department of Education

California will provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, we prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world.

Public Charter Schools Grant Program Start-Up Subgrant

Purpose and Background

The PCSGP is a subgrant program funded by the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP), authorized under Title IV, Part C of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (20 United States Code [U.S.C.] 7221–7221j (External Link). The PCSGP is a discretionary grant program. California was awarded approximately $93 million in grant funds for 2024–29. States that are awarded these federal funds distribute them in subgrants to charter school developers, known as PCSGP Start-Up Subgrants in the state of California, to assist in the development and initial operations of newly established or conversion charter schools as well as to assist in the expansion and replication of high-quality charter schools.

PCSGP Start-Up Subgrants identify funding levels and terms into three subgrant types: New School (Planning and Implementation), Replication, and Expansion. For FY 2026, the CDE has an approved pipeline and budget to award approximately 26 subgrants. The actual number and type of subgrants awarded during each RFA competition may vary based on demand. If all authorized awards are not approved for funding, the CDE may open additional RFA competition events for new applicants until allocated funds have been awarded.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in California provides essential funding for rural areas to enhance clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, waste management, and storm drainage. Eligible applicants, including local governments and nonprofits, can use the funds for construction, improvements, and related activities like legal fees and land acquisition. This program aims to ensure access to reliable water services and promote public health in underserved communities.

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.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

The Los Angeles Rams Foundation supports local charitable organizations by providing autographed memorabilia for fundraising events. Each organization can request one donated item per year, with priority given to requests from the Los Angeles area. Although the Rams cannot fulfill requests for autographing merchandise, their contributions help raise significant funds through auctions and raffles, making a positive impact in the community. Please allow at least six weeks for processing.

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.

The California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project 2.0 (CALeVIP 2.0) aims to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure through the Fast Charge California Project. This initiative encourages quick installations of high-powered DC fast chargers across California, benefiting residents by reducing air pollution and supporting the growth of plug-in electric vehicles. Applicants must submit a Final Utility Service Design and an Issued Permit to qualify for incentives, facilitating the state's zero-emission vehicle goals.

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 Biologically Integrated Farming Systems Program aims to promote innovative, plant-based farming systems that minimize chemical pesticide usage in California. This initiative emphasizes environmentally friendly practices and supports growers in transitioning to safer pest management techniques. Key project priorities include exploring alternatives to high-risk pesticides and enhancing agricultural sustainability. With a funding pool of $1 million, the program seeks projects that demonstrate effective pest management strategies while safeguarding human health and the environment.

The Drought Emergency: Protecting Salmon program by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife aims to support restoration and protection projects that enhance salmon resilience against drought and climate change. This funding opportunity offers up to $10 million for projects in the Scott and Shasta River watersheds, emphasizing collaboration with local tribes and landowners. Eligible projects will focus on improving riparian and aquatic habitats, reconnecting historical floodplains, and enhancing ecological functions.

The Addressing Climate Impacts' Grant, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, aims to address urgent water and habitat degradation caused by climate change. This funding supports various projects, including water purchases for wildlife, instream flow protection, and emergency restoration activities. Eligible initiatives should align with the State Wildlife Action Plan and prioritize actions that benefit species in greatest conservation need. The grant encourages biodiversity enhancement and climate resilience.

California organizations working on emergency and prehospital care, including museum-based programs, can seek funding to advance equitable, community-centered emergency response. Grants from CARESTAR Foundation help California groups conduct research, build diverse EMS workforce pipelines, support multi-sector collaboratives, and pursue policy initiatives that elevate community voice, especially for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color.

The ACT on Health Equity Community Solutions Challenge Grant, backed by the Astrazeneca Foundation, aims to enhance health equity by funding community-based nonprofit programs. Since its inception in 2021, it has allocated over $2.6 million to initiatives addressing nutrition, healthcare access, and lung health for historically marginalized populations. Eligible US-based 501(c) organizations can apply, with a focus on projects serving underserved communities and improving health outcomes through targeted support.

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 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.

The Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program, administered by the California Ocean Protection Council, aims to support coastal communities in developing and implementing nature-based adaptation projects against sea level rise. Recognizing the urgent threat posed by climate change, the program provides essential funding for local governments to enhance resilience and protect critical infrastructure, public health, and biodiversity along California's coastline and San Francisco Bay.

The FFY 2024 State & Local Cybersecurity Grant aims to aid local governments and federally recognized tribes in enhancing cybersecurity measures. By addressing risks to information systems and critical infrastructure, the program seeks to improve resilience and operational continuity. Funded through the IIJA, the grant focuses on governance, assessment, mitigation, and workforce development, ensuring that organizations are equipped to respond effectively to cybersecurity challenges and threats in their communities.

The California Drought Funding Grants, provided by the California State Water Resources Control Board, aim to support projects addressing urgent drinking water needs and long-term resilience due to drought. Eligible applicants include public agencies, tribal governments, community water systems, and non-profits serving disadvantaged communities. Funding covers both short-term solutions like emergency repairs and long-term improvements such as new wells and treatment systems, ensuring a sustainable water supply for affected regions.

Zoo Labs Fund, established in 2013, empowers Bay Area artist teams through unrestricted grants and mentorship. With over $910,000 awarded, the program supports culturally-rooted artists facing access challenges. In 2025, the Fund will provide $230,000 in grants, partnering with the Center for Cultural Innovation to enhance economic opportunities and foster a sustainable creative ecosystem. By prioritizing artist-led businesses, Zoo Labs Fund aims to enrich the local economy and preserve cultural expression through innovative support.

The Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program, administered by CalRecycle, supports innovative recycling initiatives in California. This program aims to provide funding for start-up costs associated with recycling centers, mobile recycling, reverse vending machines, and bag drop programs. It encourages applicants to adopt Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Practices (EPPP) Policies to enhance recycling outreach and improve California Refund Value (CRV) redemption opportunities.

The Sprouting School Gardens Grant, provided by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, supports school-based gardening and cooking programs to foster healthy eating habits in children. Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 help cover program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Eligible applicants include schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas served by Sprouts Farmers Market, promoting meaningful connections between local teams and school gardening initiatives.

The Growing Healthy Kids Grant, funded by The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, aims to support community-based programs that enhance children's nutrition access and health education. With grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, this initiative focuses on hands-on programs that promote healthy habits among children and their families. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates, helping to ensure that the funds directly benefit local communities.

The Wellness Across the Lifespan Grant supports the health of communities by providing access to nutritious food and essential nutrition education. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates. This funding emphasizes health and nutrition education, as well as programs that promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition security, ultimately benefiting adults and vulnerable populations.

The CEFA: Standard Bond Financing Grant Program offers affordable, tax-exempt bonds to nonprofit higher education institutions in California. This initiative allows eligible borrowers to finance construction, acquisition, and refinancing projects to enhance their facilities. CEFA's expertise in various financing structures ensures innovative solutions for educational institutions, supporting their mission to serve students effectively. With a strong emphasis on regional accreditation and operational history, this program aims to empower educational entities in improving their infrastructure and resources.