Best Grants for Preschools in California

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 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.

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 2 (Competitive)

$9 million in funding available for electric school bus charging infrastructure projects that will support existing and future electric school bus deployments by local educational agencies, as defined in Section II.A.1 of the solicitation manual. This funding lane is competitive. Private schools are not eligible applicants 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-25-605 – 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 3 (Competitive)

$9 million in funding available for electric school bus charging infrastructure projects that will support existing and future electric school bus deployments by third-party transportation providers who serve local educational agencies, as defined in Section II.A.1 of the solicitation manual. This funding lane is competitive.

Community Resilience Centers Round 2

The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) is pleased to announce the availability of approximately $55 million in funding from the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 for Round 2 of the Community Resilience Centers (CRC) Program through this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). 

Program Summary

The CRC Program will offer Planning Grants and Implementation Grants. Unlike Round 1, the CRC Program will not offer a separate Project Development Grant type. Instead, Round 2’s Implementation Grant will offer a new, funded “Pre-Development Phase” that will support Lead Grantees’ project readiness before implementation. The Pre-Development Phase will last no more than one year from grant execution.

Implementation Grants

Grant Purpose

Implementation Grants will fund new construction and retrofits of facilities to serve as Community Resilience Centers, as well as programs and services that build overall community resilience.

Examples of Eligible Activities

Construction, retrofits, and other upgrades to the CRC Facility itself; Campus Amenity improvements; programs and services; community engagement.

Project Area

CRC applications must be community focused. All CRC Implementation Grant applicants are required to define a Project Area. The Project Area must encompass the physical location of the CRC Facility (the CRC Site), Campus Amenities connected to the CRC Facility, Partner Sites and any programs and services based out of the CRC Facility or Partner Sites.

The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, funded by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, invites proposals for innovative water reuse solutions. This program enhances water supply reliability and supports sustainable practices for urban and agricultural communities. By leveraging Federal and non-Federal resources, the initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve hydropower reliability, aligning with national priorities for energy and resource management.

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

The WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects initiative by the Bureau of Reclamation aims to enhance water supply reliability through cooperative funding and support for desalination facilities. This program aligns with federal priorities to improve energy and resource management, encouraging proposals that diversify local water sources. By focusing on innovative solutions to water scarcity, the initiative promotes sustainable water management practices, especially for growing communities facing water shortages.

About the North Valley Health Education Foundation

The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health through education. Since its founding in 1973, the Foundation has supported students pursuing healthcare careers and strengthened communities across Northern California’s North Valley.

NVHEF serves as a regional connector—bringing together students, educators, healthcare institutions, donors, and community leaders who share a commitment to a strong and sustainable healthcare workforce.

Healthcare Scholarships

The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) provides scholarships to students pursuing healthcare careers who are committed to serving Northern California communities. Our focus is on strengthening the regional healthcare workforce by supporting students in medical, nursing, and allied health programs.

Each year, NVHEF awards $20,000–$30,000 in healthcare scholarships to students enrolled in accredited programs who demonstrate academic commitment, community connection, and a passion for healthcare service.

Enloe Junior Volunteer Scholarship

This application is for students who are graduating high school seniors that currently volunteer at Enloe Health and are considering a medical career. 

The Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program (NBHIP) supports the restoration and maintenance of habitats for nesting waterfowl and game birds on public lands. Established in 2018, it is funded through hunting validation fees, generating approximately $2 million annually. For FY 2025-26, up to $850,000 is allocated for habitat projects, divided into maintenance of existing perennial grass ($150,000) and restoration/enhancement of habitats ($700,000), promoting biodiversity and ecological health.

About the North Valley Health Education Foundation

The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health through education. Since its founding in 1973, the Foundation has supported students pursuing healthcare careers and strengthened communities across Northern California’s North Valley.

NVHEF serves as a regional connector—bringing together students, educators, healthcare institutions, donors, and community leaders who share a commitment to a strong and sustainable healthcare workforce.

Healthcare Scholarships

The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) provides scholarships to students pursuing healthcare careers who are committed to serving Northern California communities. Our focus is on strengthening the regional healthcare workforce by supporting students in medical, nursing, and allied health programs.

Each year, NVHEF awards $20,000–$30,000 in healthcare scholarships to students enrolled in accredited programs who demonstrate academic commitment, community connection, and a passion for healthcare service.

Enloe Employee Advancement Scholarship

This application is for current Enloe Health employees seeking scholarship support for education or training that advances their role in healthcare.

The Division of Boating and Waterways offers the Boat Launching Facility Grant Program to local agencies in California, aimed at developing and improving public boat launching facilities for motorized vessels. The program funds construction and enhancement of ramps, restrooms, parking, and other necessary infrastructure to ensure better access to California's waterways for recreational boating. Applications are accepted until February 1, 2025, and are open to various local government entities.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Statewide Sign Grant Program FY26 offers funding for the installation and replacement of signs for previously funded projects. This initiative aims to ensure that signs are up-to-date, safe, and compliant with federal requirements. Grants support the improvement of public access to California's waterways, enhancing safety and user experience for the boating community. Applications are accepted until February 2, 2026, encouraging local agencies to participate in this vital program.

The Division of Boating and Waterways offers a Local Assistance Grant Program for the development of non-motorized boat launching facilities in California. Eligible applicants must own or control the project area and commit to operating and maintaining the facility for 20 years. The program aims to enhance public access to waterways, supporting local governments and agencies in improving marina infrastructure. Interested parties should contact the Division to discuss project suitability and application processes.

The WaterSMART Applied Science Grants aim to enhance water management and supply reliability through innovative research and data utilization. By inviting qualified entities to apply for funding, the program focuses on improving hydrologic data access, forecasting capabilities, and modeling tools. This initiative aligns with federal priorities to optimize resources, ensuring water managers can effectively address future demands and adapt to climate challenges, thus fostering resilience in water operations across the nation.

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.

Start-Up Subgrant For the Planning, Implementation, Replication, and Expansion of Charter Schools

Purpose and Background

The PCSGP is a subgrant program funded by the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP). 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 four subgrant types: Planning, Implementation, Replication, and Expansion. For FY 2025, the CDE has an approved pipeline and budget to award approximately 14 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 all of the allocated funds have been awarded.

The James W. Caughy and Florence L. Caughy Verbeek Vacaville High School Memorial Service Award Fund, managed by the Solano Community Foundation, honors students who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to community service. This scholarship is specifically for Vacaville High School graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0, planning to attend a four-year college in California, and who have engaged in community volunteer work for at least two years.

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.

21st Century California School Leadership Academy, Cohort 3

California Education Code Section 44690(c)(1) directs the California Department of Education (CDE), the State Board of Education (SBE) and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) to select providers of professional learning for administrators and other school leaders. The professional learning through the 21CSLA will be free of charge to local educational agencies that receive federal Title II funds.

Description:

The CDE, SBE, and CCEE will select one awardee to serve as the 21CSLA Center and up to seven awardees to serve as 21CSLA Regional Academies. Please note that the Center application is a renewal. Only the current 21CSLA Center may apply. Awardees, supported by the CDE, CCEE, and SBE, will work collaboratively within the Statewide System of Support (SOS) to build the capacity of educational leaders statewide through professional learning aligned to the California Professional Standards for Education Leaders (CPSEL) and the Quality Professional Learning Standards (QPLS). A goal of this program is to have a Regional Academy located in each of the seven Geographic Lead Agency boundaries.