Best Grants for Preschools in California

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The John W. Porter Trust Grant, established in 1947, aims to enhance the lives of Long Beach, California residents by supporting non-profit organizations. The foundation focuses on arts, education, health, and other community benefits. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and operate within California, with a preference for those serving the Long Beach area. Grants foster positive community impact, reflecting Mr. Porter's vision for a better society.

The NWS Student Travel Grants, offered by the Northwest Scientific Association, provide financial assistance up to $1,000 for students to attend and present at the 2025 NWSA Annual Meeting in Eugene, OR, on March 18-19. Eligible applicants must be current NWSA student members and engaged in research relevant to the Northwest. The funding covers registration, travel, accommodation, and presentation costs, facilitating scholarly exchange and professional development for students in the region.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs

The Proposition 4 grant aims to enhance wildfire resilience and forest restoration while promoting watershed improvement and workforce development for disadvantaged communities. It emphasizes community engagement and multi-benefit projects that improve access to open spaces and natural resources. The California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy oversees this initiative, encouraging collaboration among various stakeholders to address regional needs, including water quality and habitat restoration.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) offers support to agricultural producers in enhancing their conservation efforts across the United States. It provides technical and financial assistance to improve grazing conditions, crop resiliency, and wildlife habitat. CSP participants implement tailored conservation plans that promote cleaner water, healthier soil, and improved wildlife habitats. The program also ensures annual payments for implementing practices and incentivizes additional enhancements, making it a vital resource for sustainable agricultural practices.

The CA EQIP High Tunnel Initiative Grant supports farmers in California by providing financial assistance for high tunnel systems, which are structures that extend the growing season and improve crop quality. This program promotes sustainable agricultural practices by improving soil health, conserving water, and reducing the use of pesticides. Farmers can benefit from technical support to implement these practices effectively, ultimately helping to provide local communities with fresh produce year-round.

The CA Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) Grants provide essential technical and financial support to local communities in California facing imminent threats from natural disasters like floods and wildfires. This program assists eligible sponsors, including local government and tribal organizations, in implementing crucial conservation practices to safeguard life and property. By enabling recovery projects and floodplain easements, EWP fosters resilience and sustainable management of vital watershed resources for the benefit of all communities.

The CA ACEP - Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) program, managed by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, is designed to protect the agricultural viability of eligible lands. This initiative helps landowners, including tribes and local governments, by limiting non-agricultural uses through conservation easements. ALE enhances public benefits such as environmental quality and wildlife habitat while ensuring the long-term stewardship of agricultural lands, vital for maintaining the nation's food supply.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Strategic Growth Council's Factory Built Housing Pilot Program aims to enhance the availability of affordable housing in California through factory-built solutions. With a funding allocation of $12 million, this program supports both Catalyst and Planning Grants to foster scalable strategies for long-term housing initiatives. Designed for advanced planning efforts, applicants are expected to demonstrate collaborative infrastructure and a clear vision for regional housing expansion, thus addressing the pressing need for high-quality homes across the state.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

ON Semiconductor Foundation

onsemi is a leading semiconductor manufacturer serving tens of thousands of customers across several markets with intelligent power and sensing technologies.

The ON Semiconductor Foundation, an onsemi Giving Now program, has named PLTW a strategic partner and made an additional investment to support grants for schools in onsemi communities to implement or expand the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2027 school year.

PLTW Biomedical Science - New Program

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Biomedical Science course in the 2026-2027 academic year. Schools may implement any PLTW Biomedical Science courses of their choosing.

The CRSI Foundation offers an Undergraduate Scholarship Program designed for senior-level students majoring in Civil or Architectural Engineering. This program includes five regional scholarships and six named scholarships, awarded through the CRSI network. Eligible candidates must be pursuing their Bachelor’s Degrees and demonstrate a commitment to the steel reinforced concrete industry. The scholarships aim to support students who are focused on careers in structural engineering.

The Division of Boating and Waterways offers the BSEE Grant Program for FY26, aimed at local government agencies seeking funding for boating safety and enforcement equipment. This program supports purchases such as patrol boats and rescue gear, covering up to 100% of eligible costs. Applicants must demonstrate a clear need for equipment dedicated to enhancing local boating safety and marine law enforcement. This initiative promotes safer waterways and effective enforcement practices across California.

The Schwemm Family Foundation Grant supports initiatives promoting environmental enhancement, local history preservation, and community health. It aims to strengthen communities in Oregon, California, and the Chicago area by funding projects that protect ecosystems, document culture, and foster equitable access to resources. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits dedicated to measurable outcomes that align with the Foundation's goals. The Foundation does not fund operating support or scientific research.

Rooted in Purpose. Focused on Progress.

California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions are the trade associations representing credit unions across both states. For more than 90 years, we’ve united and empowered credit unions to better serve more than 13.5 million members — providing advocacy, resources, and leadership that strengthen the entire movement.

Each year, California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions honor distinguished industry leaders and volunteers during the Leagues’ REACH Conference. 

J. Alvin George Outstanding Volunteer Award

This award honors significant contributions by people who serve credit unions in volunteer capacities, such as a director or committee member. It was renamed in 2013 in honor of the long-time credit union volunteer, J. Alvin George, who passed away that same year.

CHA/CHIP Development Support Grant

About

The Community Health Assessments / Community Health Improvement Plans (CHA / CHIP) Development Support Grant Program is designed to provide financial and technical support for the completion of CHA and CHIP.

This program responds to the ongoing need for strengthened local public health infrastructure and planning capacity, especially among counties with limited resources. It also aligns with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) expectations for Medi-Cal managed care plans to engage in meaningful collaboration with Local Health Jurisdictions.

Purpose

The program supports counties in assessing public health needs and developing responsive plans to address them by way of the CHA/CHIP process. This effort encourages joint planning between managed care and public health departments to reduce siloed systems, enhance population health outcomes, and align with the DHCS Quality Strategy and Bold Goals.

GFO-25-303 - Improving Net Load Forecasting Models by Integrating Data on Behind-the-Meter Resources

Purpose

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund research that improves the accuracy and operational value of tools used to forecast Behind-the-Meter (BtM) resources. These improvements will enable grid operators and electricity market participants to more effectively plan their generation reserves, capacity, and real-time operations, supporting a more reliable, efficient, cleaner, and cost-effective energy system for California ratepayers.

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.

California Educators Together Platform

Funding Description

Authorized under Section 147 of Assembly Bill 126, the legislative intent is to maintain the California Educators Together (CaET) online repository and expand standard-aligned instructional resources to improve pupil outcomes. The program serves K-12 local educational agencies, teachers, and pupils by providing professional collaboration tools and digital literacy guidance, focusing on safety safeguards for emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.

The selected county office must show experience curating standards-aligned educational resources, capacity to assess needs of diverse local educational agencies, a track record building educator communities of practice across subjects and regions, and demonstrated experience managing digital platforms or tech-based educational initiatives. Chosen via competitive application process open to all county offices.

About University of California Humanities Research InstituteThe University of California Humanities Research Institute facilitates experimental, interdisciplinary humanities scholarship through partnerships, research initiatives, and competitive grants. As a grantmaking organization, UCHRI primarily funds UC faculty and graduate students who participate in innovative research and projects that engage a variety of disciplines and stakeholders.Multicampus Faculty Working GroupsThe Multicampus Faculty Working Group Grant supports UC faculty as they collaborate on innovative agendas in ways that contribute to the advancement of the specific working group topic and the humanities as a whole. Although we will consider all humanistic topics, UCHRI is particularly interested in working groups that approach humanistic problems broadly related to its new theme, Sustenance. The initiative addresses sustenance and sustainability as material and metaphor to better understand the forms and outputs of human community building and disintegration as well as of our planetary predicament. 

California Credit Union League: Network Awards

Each year, California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions honor distinguished industry leaders and volunteers during the Leagues’ REACH Conference. 

Recognizes individuals and local Networks for their extraordinary impact and commitment to professional development, advocacy and collaboration in the Networks and the local community of credit unions. 

University of California Humanities Research Institute

UCHRI was founded by UC President David Gardner in 1987 as a centerpiece of the University of California’s system-wide investment in humanities research. Over the past three decades UCHRI has promoted innovation and leadership in the practice and sharing of collaborative humanistic research across all 10 UC campuses, nationally, and globally.

The University of California Humanities Research Institute facilitates experimental, interdisciplinary humanities scholarship through partnerships, research initiatives, and competitive grants.

Grants

As a grantmaking organization, UCHRI primarily funds UC faculty and graduate students who participate in innovative research and projects that engage a variety of disciplines and stakeholders.

Faculty Summer Research Funding

UCHRI is pleased to offer $5,000 summer research awards for UC faculty to conduct research during Summer. Priority will be given to early-career scholars and to projects related to UCHRI’s new theme, Sustenance. Awards should support work on a research project that requires travel, fieldwork, the consultation of archives, and related needs during the Summer quarter.

Faculty Summer Research Funding aims to stimulate new research and publication in the humanities by:

• providing funding to individuals pursuing innovative research that is of value to humanities scholars, general audiences, or both.
• supporting active research projects, but especially early-stage research requiring travel.

California Credit Union League: Distinguished Service Award

Each year, California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions honor distinguished industry leaders and volunteers during the Leagues’ REACH Conference. 

Recipients of the Distinguished Service Award are honored for service to the credit union community outside the usual scope of employment at a credit union, and beyond the scope of their networks.

About University of California Humanities Research InstituteThe University of California Humanities Research Institute facilitates experimental, interdisciplinary humanities scholarship through partnerships, research initiatives, and competitive grants. As a grantmaking organization, UCHRI primarily funds UC faculty and graduate students who participate in innovative research and projects that engage a variety of disciplines and stakeholders.Supplemental Multicampus Faculty Working Group Sustenance FundingThe UCHRI Supplemental Multicampus Faculty Working Group Sustenance Funding grant provides financial resources to broaden and augment the support of Multicampus Faculty Working Groups engaging with the Institute’s new theme, Sustenance. Faculty working on themes outside of the Sustenance initiative are not eligible to apply for this supplement.Some possible outcomes may include creative responses such as exhibitions, interactive websites, and interpretative performances; they may be tied to activism and include documents like policy proposals or records of involvement with union work within the university; they may take the form of pedagogical recommendations and proposals for cross-campus seminars; or they may be linked to the strengthening or development of relationships with community partners.

Belief & Purpose

Guiding beliefs, principles, and performance benchmarks of the 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.

Mandate Block Grant, Fiscal Year 2026-27

Funding Description

Provide funding to county offices of education (COE), school districts and charter schools to fund the costs of various mandated programs and activities identified in Government Code (GC) Section 17581.6(f).