Best Grants for Museums in California

About the Library

Established in 1850, the California State Library is the central reference and research library for state government and the Legislature. The library collection includes more than 4 million titles, 6,000 maps, and 250,000 photographs. It has an extensive collection of documents from and about the state’s rich history and is one of the major genealogical reference libraries on the West Coast. It also holds significant collections from Mexico, the United Kingdom and Europe, with manuscripts dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The State Library is both a State and Federal Depository Library, providing free and open access to government information, and is a U.S. Patent and Trademark Resource Center. It is home to the Bernard E. Witkin State Law Library and the Braille and Talking Book Library. It also directs state and federal funds to support local public libraries and statewide library programs and services.

Digital Literacy and Access

The Digital Literacy and Access opportunity provides funds to help California public libraries improve access to high-speed broadband and improve digital literacy in their communities, through digital navigation services for library users, digital literacy training opportunities for the public, and AI and/or internet safety. The Digital Literacy and Access opportunity provides funds to help California public libraries improve access to high-speed broadband and improve digital literacy in their communities, through digital navigation services for library users, digital literacy training opportunities for the public, and AI and/or internet safety classes.

Purpose

As many as two million Californians experience slow or no internet access at home, which can mean limited access to essential online activities like banking, healthcare, homework, remote work, and job seeking. Without high-speed internet at home, however, these Californians can rely on one anchor institution that offers free, reliable broadband: local public libraries. 

Public libraries provide access to digital resources and the skills to safely use those resources, which are key components of the Broadband for All Initiative (external link). The goals of this opportunity are to help libraries improve access to high-speed broadband and improve digital literacy in their communities.

The California Serves Grant Program, administered by the California Department of Education, offers funding to local educational agencies to enhance service learning. This initiative aims to help high school graduates achieve the State Seal of Civic Engagement through various supports including planning time, professional development, and instructional materials. Eligible agencies can apply for grants up to $500,000 annually, with a total budget of $5 million available for fiscal years 2024-27, promoting civic engagement through effective learning.

The UC SAREP Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Small Grants Program aims to support California's farmers and communities by promoting environmentally regenerative practices and enhancing food system resilience. It offers funding for projects that benefit diverse stakeholders, including education and outreach initiatives, applied research, and planning grants, all with a focus on cultural responsiveness and social equity. Grants range from $10,000 to $20,000, targeting priority groups and fostering collaboration.

About the Strategic Growth Council

The mission of the Council is to coordinate and work collaboratively with public agencies, communities, and stakeholders to achieve sustainability, equity, economic prosperity, and quality of life for all Californians.

Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund

The Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund provides funding and technical assistance to Tribes interested in affordable housing development.

The Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund is a grant opportunity that funds activities related to affordable housing development, including planning, infrastructure, construction, site preparation, and other pre-development activities. The goal of the Fund is to increase preparedness to build housing and access other state-funded, affordable housing programs. 

The programs are exclusively available to California Native American Tribes and Tribal entities; both federally recognized and non-federally recognized Tribes are encouraged to apply. 

The CAL FIRE Business and Workforce Development initiative aims to foster a sustainable wood products industry in California. It supports projects that enhance business and workforce development in areas such as wood processing, bioenergy, and forest management. This program encourages the adoption of clean technologies and innovative practices, ultimately striving to create resilient forests and a skilled workforce that can contribute to the state's ecological and economic health.

The Local Conservation Corps Grant Program, offered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), aims to promote environmental sustainability through the implementation of beverage container recycling, litter abatement, and the recovery of used oil and electronic waste. This initiative supports local conservation efforts and encourages community engagement in waste management practices, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for all.

About The Department of Industrial Relations

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) was established in 1927. Its mission is to improve working conditions for California’s wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR has four divisions, the Divisions of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE or Labor Commissioner’s Office or LCO), the Division of Safety and Health (DOSH or Cal/ OSHA), the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS). DIR administers and enforces laws governing wages, hours and breaks, overtime, retaliation, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, medical care, and other benefits for injured workers. DIR also publishes materials and holds workshops and seminars to promote healthy employment relations, conducts research to improve its programs, and coordinates with other agencies to target egregious violators of labor laws and tax laws in the underground economy.

California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP)

The California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP) empowers community-based organizations (CBOs) to be trusted messengers for the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), delivering crucial information on workers’ rights and safety measures to workers, employers, and their communities. At this time, CWOP is in a two-year cycle known as "CWOP 5.0/6.0." 5.0 refers to the fifth year of the project, covering approximately July 2025 – June 2026, and 6.0 refers to the sixth year of the project, covering approximately July 2026 – June 2027, with some exceptions. The present RFA is intended to supplement the current CWOP cohort.

CWOP Supplemental Funding Request for Applications (RFA)

Supplemental funds will support CWOP 6.0 and be available both for current grantees wishing to expand their deliverables and for new grantees who can address identified gaps and emerging needs as described in the Request for Application (RFA).

These supplemental funds will support the second year of the current cohort and fill identified gaps and emergent needs.

Existing grantees that are on track or surpassing their existing 5.0 grant deliverables and would like to increase their current deliverables as an Activator, Activator Plus, or Regional Lead may request additional funds by filling out this survey instead of going through the RFA process. Organizations must be competitive in their proposed goal changes to be considered for additional supplemental funds.

Applicants may apply for the following types of grants as part of this RFA: 1) Legal Services; 2) Outreach Tools; 3) Communications Support; 4) Activator Role; 5) Activator Plus Role.

Applicants fullfiling identified gaps and emerging needs for CWOP 5.0/6.0 will be prioritized for supplemental funding.

Legal Services Grant

Recipients will be required to provide legal consultation and support to workers on workplace issues under the California Labor Code. Under this category, legal consultation and support include initial intake, assessment and consultation, assisting workers with preparing initial claims/complaints, or providing limited presentation to the worker. Deliverables under this category include the number of workers directly supported with legal consultation and support. Recipients may also provide legal advice or consultation to CWOP grantees, counted as hours of technical assistance provided.

Technical assistance includes consultation on interpreting laws, regulations, or guidelines, identifying what workers may need to advocate with employers and suggesting actions to support workers. All applicants must demonstrate substantial and extensive experience by the number of years and depth of work that overlaps with this category. Applicants applying for the full amount will need to support at minimum 100 unique workers with legal consultation and support.

About The Department of Industrial Relations

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) was established in 1927. Its mission is to improve working conditions for California’s wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR has four divisions, the Divisions of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE or Labor Commissioner’s Office or LCO), the Division of Safety and Health (DOSH or Cal/ OSHA), the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS). DIR administers and enforces laws governing wages, hours and breaks, overtime, retaliation, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, medical care, and other benefits for injured workers. DIR also publishes materials and holds workshops and seminars to promote healthy employment relations, conducts research to improve its programs, and coordinates with other agencies to target egregious violators of labor laws and tax laws in the underground economy.

California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP)

The California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP) empowers community-based organizations (CBOs) to be trusted messengers for the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), delivering crucial information on workers’ rights and safety measures to workers, employers, and their communities. At this time, CWOP is in a two-year cycle known as "CWOP 5.0/6.0." 5.0 refers to the fifth year of the project, covering approximately July 2025 – June 2026, and 6.0 refers to the sixth year of the project, covering approximately July 2026 – June 2027, with some exceptions. The present RFA is intended to supplement the current CWOP cohort.

CWOP Supplemental Funding Request for Applications (RFA)

Supplemental funds will support CWOP 6.0 and be available both for current grantees wishing to expand their deliverables and for new grantees who can address identified gaps and emerging needs as described in the Request for Application (RFA).

These supplemental funds will support the second year of the current cohort and fill identified gaps and emergent needs.

Existing grantees that are on track or surpassing their existing 5.0 grant deliverables and would like to increase their current deliverables as an Activator, Activator Plus, or Regional Lead may request additional funds by filling out this survey instead of going through the RFA process. Organizations must be competitive in their proposed goal changes to be considered for additional supplemental funds.

Applicants may apply for the following types of grants as part of this RFA: 1) Legal Services; 2) Outreach Tools; 3) Communications Support; 4) Activator Role; 5) Activator Plus Role.

Applicants fullfiling identified gaps and emerging needs for CWOP 5.0/6.0 will be prioritized for supplemental funding.

Outreach Tools Grant

Applicants may propose the development and adaptation of outreach tools that can be used to support outreach planning and delivery for the cohort. Examples include, but are not limited to, tools that:

• automate the calculation of wages owed and potential penalties associated with those owed wages,
• automate the development of documents that workers can use to redress workplace complaints, and/or
• facilitate the understanding of workers of their rights under the Labor Code and options to resolve their complaints.

By applying under this category, the tools created must be made available to CWOP grantees at no additional cost.

The Peer Personnel Training and Placement Program in California aims to enhance mental health services by training individuals with lived experience to fill peer support roles. This initiative, funded by approximately $2 million, seeks to address workforce shortages in mental health care by collaborating with various organizations to facilitate the 80-hour training required for certification. By investing in peer personnel, the program promotes community-based mental health support and contributes to the overall goals of California's Mental Health Services Act.

About The Department of Industrial Relations

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) was established in 1927. Its mission is to improve working conditions for California’s wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR has four divisions, the Divisions of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE or Labor Commissioner’s Office or LCO), the Division of Safety and Health (DOSH or Cal/ OSHA), the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS). DIR administers and enforces laws governing wages, hours and breaks, overtime, retaliation, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, medical care, and other benefits for injured workers. DIR also publishes materials and holds workshops and seminars to promote healthy employment relations, conducts research to improve its programs, and coordinates with other agencies to target egregious violators of labor laws and tax laws in the underground economy.

California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP)

The California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP) empowers community-based organizations (CBOs) to be trusted messengers for the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), delivering crucial information on workers’ rights and safety measures to workers, employers, and their communities. At this time, CWOP is in a two-year cycle known as "CWOP 5.0/6.0." 5.0 refers to the fifth year of the project, covering approximately July 2025 – June 2026, and 6.0 refers to the sixth year of the project, covering approximately July 2026 – June 2027, with some exceptions. The present RFA is intended to supplement the current CWOP cohort.

CWOP Supplemental Funding Request for Applications (RFA)

Supplemental funds will support CWOP 6.0 and be available both for current grantees wishing to expand their deliverables and for new grantees who can address identified gaps and emerging needs as described in the Request for Application (RFA).

These supplemental funds will support the second year of the current cohort and fill identified gaps and emergent needs.

Existing grantees that are on track or surpassing their existing 5.0 grant deliverables and would like to increase their current deliverables as an Activator, Activator Plus, or Regional Lead may request additional funds by filling out this survey instead of going through the RFA process. Organizations must be competitive in their proposed goal changes to be considered for additional supplemental funds.

Applicants may apply for the following types of grants as part of this RFA: 1) Legal Services; 2) Outreach Tools; 3) Communications Support; 4) Activator Role; 5) Activator Plus Role.

Applicants fullfiling identified gaps and emerging needs for CWOP 5.0/6.0 will be prioritized for supplemental funding.

Communications Support Grant

Communications support, specifically interpretation services for Indigenous languages and/or the development of outreach assets. Applicants in this category can propose to:

• create accessible and easy to understand outreach materials based on State-approved messaging and talking points and/or
• provide Indigenous language interpretation capacity to the CWOP program by interpreting at events and meetings and creating, or supporting with the creation of, Indigenous language audio and videos based on State-approved content.

All applicants must demonstrate substantial and extensive experience by the number of years and depth of work that overlaps with this category.

About The Department of Industrial Relations

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) was established in 1927. Its mission is to improve working conditions for California’s wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR has four divisions, the Divisions of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE or Labor Commissioner’s Office or LCO), the Division of Safety and Health (DOSH or Cal/ OSHA), the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS). DIR administers and enforces laws governing wages, hours and breaks, overtime, retaliation, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, medical care, and other benefits for injured workers. DIR also publishes materials and holds workshops and seminars to promote healthy employment relations, conducts research to improve its programs, and coordinates with other agencies to target egregious violators of labor laws and tax laws in the underground economy.

California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP)

The California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP) empowers community-based organizations (CBOs) to be trusted messengers for the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), delivering crucial information on workers’ rights and safety measures to workers, employers, and their communities. At this time, CWOP is in a two-year cycle known as "CWOP 5.0/6.0." 5.0 refers to the fifth year of the project, covering approximately July 2025 – June 2026, and 6.0 refers to the sixth year of the project, covering approximately July 2026 – June 2027, with some exceptions. The present RFA is intended to supplement the current CWOP cohort.

CWOP Supplemental Funding Request for Applications (RFA)

Supplemental funds will support CWOP 6.0 and be available both for current grantees wishing to expand their deliverables and for new grantees who can address identified gaps and emerging needs as described in the Request for Application (RFA).

These supplemental funds will support the second year of the current cohort and fill identified gaps and emergent needs.

Existing grantees that are on track or surpassing their existing 5.0 grant deliverables and would like to increase their current deliverables as an Activator, Activator Plus, or Regional Lead may request additional funds by filling out this survey instead of going through the RFA process. Organizations must be competitive in their proposed goal changes to be considered for additional supplemental funds.

Applicants may apply for the following types of grants as part of this RFA: 1) Legal Services; 2) Outreach Tools; 3) Communications Support; 4) Activator Role; 5) Activator Plus Role.

Applicants fullfiling identified gaps and emerging needs for CWOP 5.0/6.0 will be prioritized for supplemental funding.

Activator Role Grant

Applicants should consider this role if they are interested in solely engaging in direct outreach to workers and/or employers and distributing existing or pre-approved DIR materials. Outreach deliverables will include door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, outreach at events or high-traffic areas, and meetings (interactive, virtual, or inperson). Activators may also supplement their two-way, high-engagement outreach with supplemental educational activities such as one-way texting, distributing flyers/mailers, posting on social media, participating in interviews or Public Service Announcements (PSAs), working with ethnic media partners, and writing and distributing blogs and mass emails.

Applicants for this role will be expected to demonstrate experience in engaging workers and/or employers in the priority industries of CWOP 5.0/6.0. Applicants applying for the full amount will need to include a variety of tactics and extensive reach to workers as part of their proposed project.

About The Department of Industrial Relations

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) was established in 1927. Its mission is to improve working conditions for California’s wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR has four divisions, the Divisions of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE or Labor Commissioner’s Office or LCO), the Division of Safety and Health (DOSH or Cal/ OSHA), the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS). DIR administers and enforces laws governing wages, hours and breaks, overtime, retaliation, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, medical care, and other benefits for injured workers. DIR also publishes materials and holds workshops and seminars to promote healthy employment relations, conducts research to improve its programs, and coordinates with other agencies to target egregious violators of labor laws and tax laws in the underground economy.

California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP)

The California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP) empowers community-based organizations (CBOs) to be trusted messengers for the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), delivering crucial information on workers’ rights and safety measures to workers, employers, and their communities. At this time, CWOP is in a two-year cycle known as "CWOP 5.0/6.0." 5.0 refers to the fifth year of the project, covering approximately July 2025 – June 2026, and 6.0 refers to the sixth year of the project, covering approximately July 2026 – June 2027, with some exceptions. The present RFA is intended to supplement the current CWOP cohort.

CWOP Supplemental Funding Request for Applications (RFA)

Supplemental funds will support CWOP 6.0 and be available both for current grantees wishing to expand their deliverables and for new grantees who can address identified gaps and emerging needs as described in the Request for Application (RFA).

These supplemental funds will support the second year of the current cohort and fill identified gaps and emergent needs.

Existing grantees that are on track or surpassing their existing 5.0 grant deliverables and would like to increase their current deliverables as an Activator, Activator Plus, or Regional Lead may request additional funds by filling out this survey instead of going through the RFA process. Organizations must be competitive in their proposed goal changes to be considered for additional supplemental funds.

Applicants may apply for the following types of grants as part of this RFA: 1) Legal Services; 2) Outreach Tools; 3) Communications Support; 4) Activator Role; 5) Activator Plus Role.

Applicants fullfiling identified gaps and emerging needs for CWOP 5.0/6.0 will be prioritized for supplemental funding.

Activator Plus Role Grant

These organizations will be Activators who select at least one additional activity. Additional activities for the Activator Plus role include:

• Coordination of outreach events
• Providing direct support to workers
• Conducting training
• Providing technical assistance

Funding levels are determined by the scope and scale of the activities the applicant describes in their application. Applicants applying for the full amount will need to include a variety of tactics and extensive reach to workers as part of their proposed project.

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-25-608 - Electric Vehicle Hub, Outreach, Messaging, and Equipment (EV HOME)

Purpose

This is a competitive grant solicitation. The California Energy Commission’s (CEC’s) Clean Transportation Program announces the availability of up to $10 million in grant funding for projects that will accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption by connecting prospective drivers with incentives for EVs and residential charging equipment, facilitating home charger installations, and providing education and outreach on EV benefits, charging options, and available incentives. Additional funding of up to $10 million may be made available in the future to support a second phase of work for projects initially awarded under this solicitation.

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-25-305 - Non-Energy Impacts of Integrated Energy Retrofit Packages from the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program

Purpose

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund an applied research and development project that informs California’s transition to an equitable, zero-carbon energy system that is climate-resilient and meets environmental goals. Applied research supported by this solicitation will evaluate the non-energy impacts of building retrofits, taking advantage of the opportunity to study the impacts and benefits of the Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Direct Install Program. By leveraging the work of the EBD program, this research can shed light on previously understudied benefits and costs to low-income households. The expected outcomes include lessons learned to inform ongoing and future decarbonization investments and priorities.

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 1 (First come, first serve)

$4 million in funding available for electric school bus charging infrastructure projects at local educational agencies that received Clean Truck and Bus Incentive Project (HVIP) Public School Bus Set Aside Year 1 and Year 2 funded electric school buses, but who did not receive the CEC’s Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles Project (EnergIIZE) Public School Bus Set Aside Year 1 or Year 2 infrastructure funding. This funding lane is awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

Table 4 in Section II.A.1 of the solicitation manual shows eligible Funding Lane 1 Applicants and the maximum number of charging ports that can be requested.

The California Inflation Reduction Act Grants support Urban and Community Forestry projects aimed at enhancing tree canopy access and community engagement, particularly in disadvantaged areas. With a state allocation of $30.8 million, these grants promote climate resilience, combat extreme heat, and improve forest health. Funded by the USDA Forest Service, the initiative aligns with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, ensuring equitable access to the benefits of urban trees and fostering community involvement in environmental stewardship.

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.

Direct Air Capture Pre-Commercial Demonstration and Community Engagement

Purpose

This solicitation supports the development and deployment of advanced direct air capture (DAC) carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies through pre-commercial pilot and demonstration projects under real-world conditions.

The California State Forest Legacy Grant Program, administered by CAL FIRE, aims to conserve working forests through funding landscape-scale projects. Established under the California Forest Legacy Program Act of 2007, the program supports the purchase of conservation easements and fee title acquisitions to protect forested landscapes from subdivision and conversion. By collaborating with willing landowners, CAL FIRE seeks to enhance conservation efforts, ensuring ecological integrity and public access while maintaining the area's natural landscape.

Organizations developing large-scale clean hydrogen production, storage, delivery, and end-use projects in California can access funding through the California Energy Commission; awards range from US $20,000,000 - US $22,500,000. Projects must demonstrate centralized, renewable-based hydrogen production that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports hard-to-electrify sectors, which may benefit museum-related facilities with relevant energy or infrastructure needs.

Graduate students researching decorative arts topics on the West Coast can receive US $500 - US $2,000 for travel-based thesis or dissertation work in California from Decorative Arts Trust. With a mission to promote decorative arts scholarship, the Trust supports projects tied to West Coast objects, collections, crafts, or designers, which may benefit museum-related research.

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.

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 After School Education and Safety (ASES) program for FY 2024-25 aims to enhance literacy and academic enrichment for students in grades K-9 through partnerships between schools and community resources. This funding will sustain existing before and after school programs and ensure eligibility for all elementary and middle schools in California that submit quality applications, fostering safe and constructive alternatives for students.

The Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.

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. 

Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund

Purpose:

The Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund is a grant opportunity that funds activities related to affordable housing development, including planning, infrastructure, construction, site preparation, and other pre-development activities. The goal of the Fund is to increase preparedness to build housing and access other state-funded, affordable housing programs. 

Description:

Eligible activities include but are not limited to Planning Activities, such as Community Needs Assessment . Feasibility Studies, Market Analyses . Environmental Assessments , and similar activities to determine housing needs and develop a project plan that is responsive to the needs of the community. The grant also funds Infrastructure Investments, such as Sewage and Drainage Infrastructure, Waste Management, and Electric Utility, Broadband, and Renewable Energy Infrastructure. The grant funds Sustainable Transportation Investments  such as Road and Safety infrastructure that do not increase vehicle capacity. The grant funds Site Acquisition and Preparation Site Appraisal and Acquisition, such as Site Preparation, including Surveying, Grading, and Mitigation, Architectural and Engineering costs, Ecological and Wildlife Restoration, and Disaster Preparedness. The grant also funds Other Associated Costs Legal Fees, such as Consultant Fees, Staff Development and Training, and Staff Salaries.

Tribal Capacity Building Program 

Purpose:

The Tribal Capacity Building Program's key objectives are to:

Build Tribal Staff Capacity to Advance and Sustain Climate and Housing Action; Secure Funding to Develop and Implement Tribal-led Climate and Housing Projects; Enhance Peer Learning Relationships Among Tribes

Description:

The Tribal Capacity Building Program provides funding and technical assistance to California Native American Tribes, enhancing staff capacity to advance Tribes’ climate- and housing-related work. The goal of the program is to help Tribes develop long-term capacity to secure funding and implement Tribal-led climate- and housing-related projects. 

Funding Available for Round 2 Awards:

Grantees may receive funding between $350,000 and $420,000 total for the three-year grant term. 

Grant Term Length:

• 36-month period 

Grant Availability Type:

• Competitive 

Match Funding Required:

• No