Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in California

The AdvoCare Foundation, established in 1993, aims to promote health and wellness for children through its grant program. Focused on year-round initiatives, the foundation supports local communities where AdvoCare distributors operate. Grants typically last one year with an average funding of $25,000, although multi-year support may be available. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster positive health changes and encourages collaborative efforts with previous grantees.

The mission of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is to accelerate world class science to deliver transformative regenerative medicine treatments in an equitable manner to a diverse California and world. In support of this mission, CIRM’s governing board approved a structured, data-driven Strategic Allocation Framework (SAF) in 2024 to prioritize resources and maximize the impact of CIRM’s funding.

Designed in response to this framework, CIRM’s new Discovery Programs include complementary funding opportunities that support research at different scales and levels of maturity, emphasizing multidisciplinary innovation, knowledge sharing and leveraging synergies across CIRM-funded programs. These new funding opportunities support comprehensive, discovery research across a diverse range of diseases and bottlenecks to accelerate the development of potential therapeutics and biomarkers in regenerative medicine.

DISC4 Awards

Supporting Multidisciplinary, Collaborative Research

DISC4 supports expansive, cross-disciplinary and integrated studies led by collaborative teams applying a range of technologies and approaches to accelerate foundational insights in disease biology. 

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects are expected to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

• Discovering novel mechanistic insights or advance our understanding of human diseases;
• Extending understanding of disease mechanisms to all affected human populations;
• Identification and validation of novel therapeutic strategies, targets, and/or biomarker(s).

Focus Area (Fiscal Year 2026/2027): Immune-Tissue Interplay in Disease, Homeostasis, and Repair

CIRM is seeking multidisciplinary proposals focused on elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the human immune system interacts with and influences tissues, particularly in the context of pathology, injury or regeneration. See PA for illustrative examples. While priority will be given to proposals aligned with this focus area, proposals outside this area may be considered if they represent a compelling opportunity to advance DISC4 program goals.

The Goodwin Family Memorial Trust Grant supports the moral, physical, and intellectual development of needy males under 21 in California. Established by Mabel Frankie Goodwin, the trust focuses on education, health, and human services. Grants range from $10,000 to $35,000, with 35 grants awarded annually, totaling up to $600,000 in yearly giving. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities and wait one year after four consecutive grants before reapplying.

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

Modeling and Monitoring Air Quality and Co-Benefits of Energy Interventions

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund applied research and development projects that inform 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 improve existing ambient air quality modeling approaches, advance low-cost measurement technologies, and conduct analyses to quantify the air quality implications and related human health impacts of clean energy interventions across energy use sectors. Ultimately, this research will contribute to a foundation for accurate monetization of non-energy impacts of clean energy interventions.

Improvements in air quality and related human health outcomes are important direct benefits of decarbonizing energy sectors that currently rely on fossil fuels. Capturing these impacts is important to motivate investments in decarbonization strategies but is also a challenging task. Robust air quality modeling and field measurements can help to accurately project the air quality-related benefits and ultimately monetize the human health impacts of clean energy interventions such as implementation of Senate Bill (SB) 100 (SB 100, De León, Chapter 312, Statutes of 2018), transportation electrification, and building electrification.

This solicitation addresses public interest research opportunities at the nexus of human health, air quality monitoring and modeling, and California’s decarbonizing electricity system. Existing ambient air quality simulation models require rigorous evaluation for accuracy of estimates, specific tailoring to California’s complex geography and meteorology, and expanded capability to simulate pollutants such as ozone and secondary particulate matter. Additionally, improvements in the spatial resolution and computational efficiency of existing models are critical to illuminate impacts of decarbonization strategies, and applied research is needed related to low-cost air quality sensors for in-situ household pollution measurement. While existing sensors enable collection of abundant data, they can be afflicted by performance issues and associated inaccuracies.

Projects must fall within the following project groups: 

• Group 1: Advancing Ambient Air Quality Modeling Capabilities and Analysis; and
• Group 2: Developing a Low-cost Air Quality Sensor to Assess Household Air Pollution.

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.

 Preservation & Accessibility of California’s LGBTQ+ History

The Preservation & Accessibility of California’s LGBTQ+ History grant opportunity provides funding for California organizations to support the preservation and public accessibility of LGBTQ+ archives. Funds are provided by the State of California.

This opportunity is targeted at archives, and organizations with archival collections, for projects that preserve and make publicly accessible collections relevant to the LGBTQ+ movement, culture, experience, and/or history in California. This opportunity aims to preserve and make accessible materials demonstrating the significant role of LGBTQ+ Californians and the LGBTQ+ movement in this state. By preserving and making these resources available to others, funded projects will help provide a more comprehensive and inclusive view of California’s history. 

Funding

Minimum funding request: $5,000. Maximum funding request: $200,000.

The Business & Workforce Development Grants aim to bolster California's wood products infrastructure, ensuring the sustainability of forests and supporting the communities reliant on them. Funded through California Climate Investments, this initiative promotes diverse projects that enhance business and workforce development in the forestry sector. Key areas include business development, bioenergy, and forest-related workforce training, all contributing to healthier, resilient forests and a stronger economy, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is offering a funding opportunity through EDUC 1.12 to manage the Annual Trainee Network Conference. This initiative aims to support CIRM's Research Training programs by selecting a qualified applicant to develop and oversee the conference scheduled between May and August 2026. This effort aligns with CIRM's mission to promote equitable regenerative medicine advancements and enhance education and training across diverse communities.

The California Library Literacy Services grant offers funding to public libraries in California to develop adult literacy programs. This initiative aims to enhance literacy levels among adults, enabling them to achieve personal and professional goals. Libraries participating in this program will receive annual funds to support continuous literacy efforts, fostering a more literate community. The grant is aimed at addressing the urgent need for adult literacy improvement across the state.

The Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) Grant aims to create pathways for women, non-binary individuals, and underserved populations in the construction industry. This funding will support childcare resources and community outreach for those facing childcare challenges while pursuing careers in construction. Eligible programs can receive up to $10,000 per apprentice, with a maximum proposal amount of $3 million. The initiative encourages increased participation and support for diverse communities in the building sector.

The Rosenberg Foundation is dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers to equity and opportunity for Californians. Through its grantmaking, it focuses on areas such as leadership development, criminal justice reform, and immigrant rights. The foundation supports innovative initiatives, including the 2022-2024 Leading Edge Fellows, who tackle pressing social issues. By fostering civic engagement, the foundation aims to empower underrepresented communities and ensure their voices are heard in policy discussions, ultimately striving for a more just society.

Nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, and higher education institutions in California that serve rural microenterprises can apply for USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, with awards up to US $500,000 for loans and technical assistance. Funding supports revolving microloan funds and training for rural businesses with 10 or fewer employees, including working capital, equipment, and real estate improvements.

The Nita M. Lowey’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, currently on hiatus, has provided critical support since 1994 for community learning centers that enhance academic enrichment for students in high-poverty schools. It aims to improve student performance in core subjects and assist families through educational services. The program also includes the After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens initiative, promoting college and career readiness for high school students. This funding opportunity emphasizes research-based practices and community collaboration.

The Sabbatical Research and Education Grant, offered by Western SARE, enables faculty worldwide to collaborate with farmers and researchers in the Western U.S. This program focuses on conducting innovative research and educational outreach in underserved regions, with an emphasis on unexplored topics. Grants up to $75,000 are available for projects spanning one year, promoting agricultural sustainability and community involvement.

The Strategic Growth Council's Factory Built Housing Pilot Program Round 3 Catalyst Grant aims to enhance the availability of affordable, high-quality housing in California through innovative factory-built housing solutions. By providing grants of up to $500,000, the program supports regional efforts to build knowledge and capacity, fostering collaboration among stakeholders. The initiative seeks to create scalable strategies that integrate factory-built housing into local plans, addressing barriers and promoting long-term sustainable housing solutions.

The Transition Age Youth Advocacy Grant aims to empower young individuals aged 16-25, particularly those with serious mental health challenges, to advocate for their needs within California's behavioral health system. By fostering leadership and engagement, this initiative seeks to involve these youth in meaningful advocacy efforts that address issues like homelessness and involvement in justice systems. The goal is to create a supportive environment that reflects their realities and promotes their agency.

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.

The Reusable Beverage Containers Infrastructure Grant Program, offered by CalRecycle, aims to fund infrastructure and start-up costs for a deposit-return system for glass reusable containers in California. This initiative, established under AB 179, seeks to enhance the Beverage Container Recycling Program and promote a circular economy by establishing a processing stream for reusable glass containers. Eligible projects include equipment, technology, and training necessary for implementing this sustainable system.

The Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program, administered by CalRecycle, supports innovative recycling initiatives in California. This program aims to provide funding for start-up costs associated with recycling centers, mobile recycling, reverse vending machines, and bag drop programs. It encourages applicants to adopt Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Practices (EPPP) Policies to enhance recycling outreach and improve California Refund Value (CRV) redemption opportunities.

California Commission for Behavioral Health

Proposition 63, approved by California voters in 2004, created the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission to drive transformational change across the state’s mental health system.

The Commission oversees the implementation of the far-reaching initiative, which imposed a 1 percent income tax on wealthy residents to pay for mental health services and established a framework for continuous improvement of mental healthcare in the state.

Partnering with public and private mental health agencies at all levels, the Commission works to ensure that people get the care they need in a timely, comprehensive, effective, and culturally competent manner. In everything, it vigorously promotes community collaboration.

Innovation Partnership Fund (IPF) Request for Application (RFA)

The Commission for Behavioral Health (CBH) is thrilled to announce the official release of the Innovation Partnership Fund (IPF) Request for Application (RFA), marking the first round of a significant multi-year investment. This initiative, established through the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), aims to award up to $20 million in grants this year to drive bold, equity-centered innovations within California’s public behavioral health system.

This groundbreaking fund is designed to invest in solutions that will fundamentally improve how mental health and substance use disorder services are delivered, experienced, and sustained across the state, with a strong focus on supporting county behavioral health departments. This RFA was built upon extensive community and system partner feedback ensuring that the initiatives supported reflect the real-world needs of Californians. It was also developed in collaboration with the California Health & Human Services Agency, the California Department of Health Care Services, the California Department of Public Health, and the California Department of Health Care Access and Information.

This first round of IPF offers two distinct grant categories, each with specific eligibility requirements: Category 1 – Small Grants; and Category 2 – Large Grants.

Category 1 – Small Grants

Grant awards of less than $500,000.

A minimum of 8 grants will be awarded, with a total of $4 million available. These grants are exclusively open to community-based organizations, non-profit entities, and/or tribal organizations.

Key Application Requirements

To be considered for this fund, applicants’ proposed solutions must:

• Be innovative by advancing new or scaled culturally competent models, practical community-centered solutions, demonstrating a clear break from the status quo, or being ready for real-world implementation;
• Address the needs of BHSA Priority Populations, including underserved, low-income, and communities impacted by other behavioral health disparities;
• Apply to and support county behavioral health programs, either directly or indirectly; and
• Address key Cross-Cutting Elements, including Equity, Financial Sustainability, Lived Experience and Community Leadership, Alignment with Statewide Transformation Efforts, and Agility/Quality Improvement Integration.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Employment and Training Pathways Program Grant aims to foster employment opportunities by creating skill-based pathways for individuals facing significant barriers. By integrating education and workforce training, the program aligns with California's strategic industry needs, ensuring individuals are well-prepared for high-demand jobs. Proposals must demonstrate at least 20% budget leverage from other sources, with applications due by December 8, 2025. An informational webinar will be held on November 13, 2025, requiring pre-registration.

The Practical Support Grant Program, administered by Essential Access Health under the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, allocates $20 million to assist pregnant individuals seeking abortions. This grant provides direct support for services like transportation, lodging, and childcare, ensuring access to reproductive care. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations based in California that aid those facing barriers to abortion services, promoting essential healthcare access for all.

The Biologically Integrated Farming Systems Program aims to promote innovative, plant-based farming systems that minimize chemical pesticide usage in California. This initiative emphasizes environmentally friendly practices and supports growers in transitioning to safer pest management techniques. Key project priorities include exploring alternatives to high-risk pesticides and enhancing agricultural sustainability. With a funding pool of $1 million, the program seeks projects that demonstrate effective pest management strategies while safeguarding human health and the environment.

The F-gas Reduction Incentive Program (FRIP) aims to incentivize the adoption of ultra-low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant technologies in commercial and industrial sectors. By promoting these climate-friendly technologies, FRIP intends to reduce fluorinated gas emissions and support California's efforts to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets as mandated by Senate Bill 1383. The program focuses on achieving economies of scale to facilitate wider market adoption and enhance environmental sustainability.

The Redemption Innovation Grant Program, managed by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, aims to support innovative recycling initiatives by funding start-up costs for various recycling projects. Eligible applicants include certified recycling centers and new businesses looking to establish themselves in California. Projects must address unserved zones and comply with existing regulations, contributing to California's commitment to a circular economy by increasing recycling rates and reducing waste.