Best Grants for Museums in California

The Yass Prize & STOP Awards Initiative aims to revolutionize education by recognizing and supporting exceptional education providers focused on Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless (STOP) education. Established in 2021, the initiative awards funds to organizations serving Pre-K to 12th grade students across the United States, fostering impactful partnerships and innovative practices. With a commitment to transforming educational experiences, the initiative celebrates the vital work of educators in response to contemporary challenges.

Request for Proposals

Community Care Corps encourages organizations across the country to apply for 18-month grants ($30,000–$200,000) to develop and scale innovative volunteer programs that provide nonmedical assistance to older adults, adults age 18 and older with disabilities and family caregivers.

Projects funded through this initiative will increase the number of community-based volunteer programs available to provide nonmedical assistance while decreasing the number of older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers who need assistance in maintaining independence in the community but are unable to obtain help. In doing so, the initiative will strengthen community-based supports that help people maintain independence, reduce unmet needs, and improve overall well-being.

The Human Networks and Data Science (HNDS) program, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), focuses on enhancing our understanding of human behavior through data and network science. It features two tracks: HNDS-I, aimed at developing data resources for social sciences, and HNDS-R, which leverages large datasets to advance theoretical frameworks in core social, behavioral, and economic disciplines. Proposals are encouraged to provide innovative insights that can lead to significant societal benefits.

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), promotes active research participation among undergraduate students across various research areas. It supports two mechanisms: REU Sites, which engage multiple students in ongoing research, and REU Supplements, which enhance existing NSF-funded projects. Participants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, and each REU opportunity has its unique application process.

The Field-of-Interest Grant Program, established in 2016, supports local nonprofits in Mendocino County with initiatives focusing on the environment, arts, and community resilience. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,500 are available for projects that promote climate resilience, habitat restoration, and environmental education. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, especially if they have received funding in previous years. This program aims to foster sustainable practices and preserve natural resources for future generations.

The Field-of-Interest Grant Program supports local nonprofits in Mendocino County, focusing on children and youth projects. Established in 2016, it aims to empower young people through initiatives that enhance workforce readiness, health, and well-being. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,500, with proposals for larger amounts undergoing a two-stage review process. Priority is given to programs that foster leadership and inclusivity for youth of diverse backgrounds.

The Catalyze Challenge Grant, managed by Catalyze, is an opportunity for organizations to receive funding for innovative solutions that enhance career-connected learning for youth aged 11-22. With over $4 million available in Round 5, finalists can secure up to $300,000 to implement their ideas. The grant seeks proposals that empower underserved learners through hands-on experiences and meaningful employer partnerships, ultimately impacting over 65,000 young people across the U.S.

The Coors Light Líderes Grant Program honors exceptional Latino leaders across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, awarding five individuals with a $10,000 grant each for their nonprofit organizations. This initiative, active for 17 years, aims to empower emerging leaders who demonstrate significant community impact through innovative programs. Eligible nominees must be between 21-39 years old, associated with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and committed to fostering positive change in their communities.

The AHRQ Improving Diagnostic Safety in Ambulatory Care (R18) program invites proposals aimed at enhancing diagnostic safety in ambulatory settings. This initiative supports the development, testing, and evaluation of strategies and interventions that address diagnostic challenges in healthcare. The goal is to improve patient safety and quality of care through innovative solutions tailored to the diverse needs of ambulatory care environments.

The AHRQ is inviting proposals for research focused on improving diagnostic safety in ambulatory care settings. This funding opportunity aims to understand the incidence and contributing factors of diagnostic errors that occur across various ambulatory care services. Proposals should address the complexities of diagnostic safety to enhance patient care and outcomes.

The Mockingbird Nonprofit Incubator Grant Program supports emerging nonprofit founders in creating sustainable growth and impact. The program includes eight live workshops on nonprofit management, fundraising, and access to resources from Givebutter. Selected organizations receive scholarships and the chance to apply for $4,000 in grant funds. Eligibility is limited to 501c3 nonprofits or those under fiscal sponsorship with budgets under $500,000, fostering a community of committed leaders ready to make a difference.

The Grants for the Arts program provides significant financial support to arts and culture organizations in San Francisco, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $450,000 over two years. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofits, focusing on capacity building and public arts programming. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and promote vibrant cultural experiences through performances, exhibits, and festivals, ensuring access to the arts for all residents.

The Community Challenge Grant Program, funded by the City & County of San Francisco, supports neighborhood beautification projects aimed at fostering community resilience and safety. With a budget range of $50,000 to $150,000, eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to enhance public spaces and activate community engagement. The program emphasizes the importance of collective strength and interdependence among communities, facilitating initiatives that bring residents together.

The San Francisco Green Infrastructure Grant Program, managed by the SFPUC, aims to support property owners in creating green stormwater infrastructure. This initiative includes projects like permeable pavement and rain gardens, designed to reduce stormwater runoff from at least 0.5 acres of impervious surfaces. Grants can provide up to $2.5 million per project, enhancing public benefits while improving sewer system performance for SFPUC rate payers.

The Equity and Access Grant Program: Clean Energy Access in LA County provides up to $200,000 for Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to enhance outreach and education on the TECH Clean CA initiative. This program focuses on building decarbonization and health impacts, particularly in underserved areas like the Aliso Canyon Disaster Area. It aims to connect communities to clean energy resources, increasing awareness and participation in sustainable practices while addressing public health and environmental challenges.

The Arts Impact Endowment (AIE) by the San Francisco Arts Commission aims to support local artists and organizations over the next five years, focusing on preventing displacement through grants and resources. The initiative emphasizes racial equity and social justice, aligning with the 2024-2029 Cultural Services Allocation Plan. By funding artists' work, their environments, and community connections, AIE seeks to enhance the vibrancy of San Francisco's cultural landscape, fostering creativity and positive social change.

The Special Project Grants (SPX) program by the San Francisco Arts Commission provides funding between $50,000 and $350,000 to support local artists and cultural initiatives. These grants aim to enhance community engagement and promote equity in the arts sector. Annually, the Board of Supervisors allocates funding through a transparent proposal process, ensuring that resources are directed towards impactful projects that reflect the diverse cultural fabric of San Francisco.

The Teagle Foundation's Knowledge for Freedom initiative aims to empower underserved high school students through transformative experiences in the humanities. Grants ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 over 36 months support programs that foster civic responsibility and personal purpose. Colleges can also apply for planning grants of $10,000 to $25,000 to develop tailored programs. The initiative emphasizes intensive summer seminars led by faculty, with continued support for college applications and civic engagement.

The Find Your Light Foundation is committed to providing every child with access to quality arts education. By focusing on direct support for exceptional programs, along with education, advocacy, and outreach, they aim to highlight the importance of arts in youth development. Grants are awarded to arts education initiatives in low-income areas across North America, typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, with awards issued in the Summer and Winter each year.

The purpose of America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) is to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas, to support food supply chain resiliency, to create and preserve quality jobs, and torevitalize low-income communities by providing financial and technical assistance, either directly orthrough other partners and intermediaries, to eligible fresh, healthy food retailers and enterprises toovercome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas. HFFI offers fundingopportunities and technical assistance to eligible applicants.

The Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest, co-hosted by Inside Edge Safety Surfaces, offers two all-expenses-paid awards for Life Floor safety surfaces, aimed at enhancing community splash pads. The Need-Based Award targets municipalities and non-profits demonstrating financial need, with design options including planks, bubbles, and geometric shapes. Grant values range from $50,000 to $65,000, depending on project size, ensuring safety and accessibility for all users.

The Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest invites municipal entities and non-profits in the U.S. to apply for the Inclusive Design Award. This award recognizes splash pads that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. Winners will receive a customized Life Floor safety surface, valued at $50-65k, promoting community engagement and safety. With two opportunities to win, this initiative aims to enhance splash pad designs, ensuring they cater to all individuals. Join us in making splash pads safer and more accessible for everyone!

The Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health (R21 Clinical Trials Optional) aims to support exploratory studies focused on enhancing health outcomes within Native American populations. This initiative encourages research that addresses critical health disparities, tests new interventions, and develops culturally appropriate solutions to improve health and well-being. Applications are encouraged to include community-driven research, addressing unique sociopolitical and environmental challenges faced by these populations, ultimately aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality.

This funding opportunity announcement aims to enhance health interventions for Native American populations. It supports research to develop, adapt, and test culturally informed health promotion and disease prevention strategies. The initiative addresses significant health disparities faced by these communities, emphasizing sustainable and adaptable solutions. Researchers are encouraged to build on community strengths and resilience, focusing on effective dissemination and integration of interventions. The program welcomes applications targeting diverse Native American groups, including Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) Trail Grants

RTC’s Trail Grants are building strong foundations in communities for equitable trail network development and activation—investing in transformative projects and programs that create more access to trails for more people across the country.  

Our grants support organizations at all levels—from local and national nonprofits to public agencies—with a focus on community-based leadership, engagement and long-term impact.  

Since 2008, RTC has provided over $3.7 million in grant funding to more than 280 organizations seeking to create, connect and maintain the nation’s trails, building vibrant trail networks that connect neighborhoods and regions, and make it possible for America to walk, bike and be active outside.

The Trail Accelerator Grants aim to enhance mountain bike trail communities by providing essential planning and design services. With funding between $10,000 to $30,000, these grants support local organizations in creating sustainable trail systems. The initiative encourages projects that increase access and promote community engagement, particularly focusing on diversity and inclusion. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to match funds, ensuring collaborative efforts to improve trail networks and experiences for all riders.

The Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (MSPRF) aim to support emerging leaders in mathematics and statistics. These fellowships enhance participants' research environments, ensuring significant scientific development. Awardees can choose between a Research Fellowship or a Research Instructorship, with funding available for research across various mathematical and statistical disciplines. Proposals are submitted directly to the NSF, and fellows must affiliate with eligible institutions or organizations.