Best Grants for Preschools in California

The County-wide and Regional Funding Program by the California State Water Board aims to support counties and eligible partners in addressing drought and contamination issues for disadvantaged communities. Funding is available through the SAFER Program to implement regional programs targeting state small water systems and domestic wells. Eligible recipients include counties and NGOs, with projects focusing on assessments, domestic well testing, and interim solutions like bottled water. The program is vital for enhancing water resilience in underserved areas.

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.

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 Franz Bakery Foundation Grant supports local charitable organizations focused on family support, youth development, and hunger reduction in areas served by Franz Bakery. With an average grant amount of $3,000, the Foundation aims to foster respect, equity, and inclusion within communities. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofits located in specific states and align with the Foundation's mission. Organizations can reapply annually, although applications do not roll over to the next year.

The CAL FIRE Forest Health Program aims to enhance the resilience of California's forests against wildfires, drought, and pests caused by climate change and land management practices. Funding supports large-scale projects focused on restoring forest health, protecting watersheds, and promoting carbon storage through reforestation. Grants range from $750,000 to $7 million, targeting projects that yield climate benefits and further state forest management goals.

The 2026 Pet Lover's Spay and Neuter Grant Program aims to reduce pet overpopulation in California by providing financial assistance for spay/neuter services. Funded through the Pet Lover’s License Plate Program and the Prevention of Animal Homelessness and Cruelty Tax Fund, this initiative expects to distribute up to $500,000 in grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 to eligible municipalities and non-profits, facilitating a healthier pet population.

The Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Directed Grant Program (2025-2027) supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing sustainable recreation and tourism in the Sierra-Cascade region. Key goals include improving public access to nature, mitigating overuse impacts on resources, and fostering sustainable recreation economies. Projects eligible for funding must focus on climate resilience, equitable access, or landscape-scale assessments, all ensuring multiple benefits for community education and environmental protection.

Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program

A portion of California's tobacco product excise taxes are used to fund research grants. These grants are administered by TRDRP.

As one of three state agencies that work together towards a tobacco-free California, we aim to eliminate commercial tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases and to improve the health and well-being of all Californians. TRDRP works with the California Department of Public Health and Department of Education under the guidance of the Tobacco Education and Research Oversight Committee to ensure collaboration across all sectors of California's tobacco control community.

TRDRP is administered by the Research Grants Program Office (RGPO) at the University of California, Office of the President.

Student Research Award Supplement

Purpose

Student Research Award Supplement (SRAS) are intended to foster undergraduate and master’s student research and allow active research training and mentoring by providing supplemental funding to existing TRDRP awards, in order to bring new workforce into the stated TRDRP research priority areas.  

Summary:

• Maximum supplement amount per year: $20,000 (direct costs).
• Duration: 1 or 2 years
• Supplement funds are provided in addition to the parent grant award cap.

Beverage Container Recycling Grants

The Beverage Container Recycling Grant (BCRG) Program aims to reach and maintain an 80% recycling rate for all California Refund Value (CRV) beverage containers – aluminum, glass, plastic, and bi-metal.This grant program encourages market development and expansion activities for beverage container materials by helping organizations establish convenient recycling and litter abatement projects. 

Eligible costs are limited to the following:

• Personnel costs directly related to the start-up/implementation of the project are capped at 25% of the total grant award, such as:
• Recycling coordinator salaries or wages for those directly involved, students, consultants
• Purchase of equipment or materials related to infrastructure such as:
• Beverage container recycling bins/receptacles
• Cluster bins
• Lids
• Receptacle liner
• In-unit totes (multi-family residential dwellings)
• Pads/enclosures to accommodate centralized roll-off, balers, scales, optical sorters (for municipality operating its own Material Recovery Facility)
• Equipment modifications
• Signage
• Brochures
• Installation costs for equipment
• Service cart for use in collection of materials
• Laptops, computers, etc.

The Music Man Foundation invites eligible organizations to apply for Advocacy and Research Grants aimed at supporting systemic change in the arts sector. Organizations must demonstrate their impact on music-related systems, showcase their priorities in the field, and outline their achievements. Grants will assist with research, advocacy training, and cross-sector initiatives to enhance community vitality and promote sustainable solutions, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering positive arts engagement.

The California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. offers an Undergraduate Scholarship Program specifically designed for students with disabilities. This needs-based scholarship assists eligible individuals in pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. Since its inception in 1981, the program has expanded to provide multiple scholarships annually, allowing recipients to reapply for up to four years of support. Applicants must be U.S. citizens residing in California or Hawaii, and demonstrate financial need while having a qualifying disability.

The Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) supports California State Universities and Community Colleges to foster mentorship and training for students in tobacco-related research. This initiative, funded by tobacco tax revenues, aims to engage undergraduates and master's students, particularly from priority populations, in meaningful research and local tobacco control activities. With a maximum award of $1,150,000 over four years, this program seeks to eliminate commercial tobacco use and improve public health across California.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Lischewski Family Fund for Aspiring Collegians

The Lischewski Family Fund for Aspiring Collegians applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors
• Plan to enroll full-time at a community college in California with the intent to earn an Associate of Arts or similar accreditation within two years
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Be engaged in their community through their involvement in extra-curricular, volunteer activities or work experience
• Have a demonstrated financial need.

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.

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.

The California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) is committed to enhancing California's health care system, particularly for low-income individuals. CHCF focuses on improving access to coverage and care, advancing people-centered approaches, and laying the foundation for meaningful change. Grants are awarded for projects that align with these goals, emphasizing relevance to California's health care challenges. While unsolicited proposals are welcomed, most grants result from competitive requests, supporting innovative solutions to enhance health care delivery.

The Forest Health Grant from CAL FIRE aims to enhance the resilience of California's forests against extreme disturbances such as wildfires and drought. This program supports landscape-scale projects focused on restoring forest health, protecting water resources, and promoting carbon storage. By funding activities that improve forest management and reforestation, CAL FIRE addresses climate change impacts while ensuring the sustainability of vital ecosystems. Eligible projects must demonstrate clear climate benefits through various management practices.

The Combined Pilot Research Grants from the Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF) and California Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS) aim to fund innovative pilot research projects in hand and plastic surgery. With a budget of up to $15,000 for one year, this grant seeks to enhance scientific knowledge and clinical practices. Eligible applicants include MDs, DOs, or PhDs holding full-time positions in California, with a focus on advancing surgeon scientists and their research endeavors.

The Proposition 68 Technical Assistance Program by the California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy allocates up to 10% of its funds for aiding disadvantaged communities. This program provides essential application assistance to ensure better access to funding, helping communities navigate the complexities of project management and grant writing. By offering resources and peer mentoring, the program aims to empower applicants, especially those in high-need areas, to successfully complete their conservation projects.

The Focus Agriculture Grant is a pioneering educational initiative by Agri-Culture aimed at community leaders. This nine-session program includes monthly seminars and farm tours, providing vital information on topics like production, government relations, and marketing. Participants from various sectors such as non-profits, education, and local business are encouraged to apply. The tuition is $1,500, with a $350 refund for 100% attendance. For more details, refer to the FAQ available on their website.

The 2026 SCBGP Additional Assistance for Limited Resource Applicants Program, funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, aims to enhance the competitiveness of California's specialty crops through personalized application support. This program facilitates participation from small and limited resource organizations by providing tailored assistance, including feedback on proposals and direct communication. It is essential for improving the overall performance of California's specialty crop industry in various markets.

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites proposals for the Cannabis Restoration Grants aimed at cleaning up and enhancing watersheds and wildlife habitats affected by cannabis cultivation. This initiative supports projects that include remediation of public and private lands, road decommissioning, and biodiversity enhancement. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, emphasizing ecological restoration and conservation efforts across the state.

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

The Dr. Seuss Foundation aims to enhance literacy through strategic partnerships and funding. While there will be no public granting cycle for 2025, the Foundation is planning for 2026. It supports evidence-based programs that prepare children for school, particularly those from underserved communities. Key priorities include improving instructional quality, expanding early education services, and promoting arts and environmental education. The foundation values creativity, excellence, and community engagement while focusing on diverse and equitable opportunities.

The Southwest Border Resource Protection Program (SWBRPP) offers financial assistance to various entities, including the National Park Service, educational institutions, and local agencies. The goal is to enhance resource stewardship and promote international cooperation along the U.S.-Mexico border. This program addresses significant ecological and cultural resource damage caused by illegal activities, supporting scientific research and conservation projects to protect and preserve our shared heritage.