Search Through Marine Grants in California in the U.S.

The Gary E. Milgard Family Foundations provide ongoing support to various non-profit organizations, focusing on community improvement in Pierce County, Washington. They prioritize funding for animal welfare, marine life preservation, and essential social services. Organizations can submit letters of intent at any time, with grant amounts varying from $1,000 to over $50,000. The foundations emphasize collaboration and community impact, guided by the Milgard family's values.

The Ocean Drilling Grant, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), facilitates research in marine geosciences through the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP). Proposals for pre- and post-expedition studies are accepted, particularly during the expedition moratorium period. This grant aims to enhance scientific understanding of climate and geological processes through innovative drilling techniques and collaborative international efforts, ensuring the scientific community has access to valuable data and research outcomes.

The Proposition 68 Fish and Wildlife Improvement Grant Opportunities aim to restore Southern California Steelhead habitat. This funding supports projects that enhance climate resilience, protect wildlife corridors, and improve agricultural viability. Priority is given to initiatives that remove barriers to steelhead migration and undertake habitat restoration. These efforts align with the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s restoration plans and focus on enhancing community adaptation to climate change impacts while promoting ecological health in the region.

The Proposition 68: Southern Steelhead Grant Program aims to restore and protect Southern California Steelhead habitat, enhancing fish passage and modernizing infrastructure. Funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, this program supports projects that address climate change impacts, improve ecosystems, and promote recreational opportunities. With a competitive funding approach, grants are contingent upon available resources, emphasizing priority for projects that remove barriers to steelhead migration and restore critical habitats.

The Sacramento District California In-Lieu Fee Program, established by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, offers a mitigation option for permittees to compensate for authorized impacts to aquatic resources in California. Approved by multiple agencies, this program facilitates the purchase of mitigation credits to meet compensatory mitigation requirements. It employs a watershed approach to evaluate wetland threats, prioritize restoration, and implement mitigation projects, ensuring effective management of aquatic resources across designated service areas.

The Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust provides approximately $423 million to California for reducing excess nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions from VW diesel vehicles. This initiative includes funding for various projects aimed at replacing older, polluting vehicles with cleaner alternatives, particularly in low-income communities. Key categories for funding include zero-emission buses, freight trucks, and marine projects, all aimed at improving air quality and public health.

The Gaia Foundation offers the Sustainable Agriculture Grant to support initiatives in California that promote sustainable farming practices. The fund prioritizes projects that encourage environmentally friendly agricultural methods, focusing on nutritious crops, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations, with a preference for those with budgets under $5 million. Note that the fund is currently not accepting proposals until mid-2025 due to administrative changes.

The Coastal Fund (CF) Grant provides vital funding to support projects that preserve and enhance coastal ecosystems at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Aimed at fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship, the grant encourages proposals that align with the Coastal Fund's mission. Eligible applicants include UCSB-affiliated departments and registered nonprofits, with funding typically around $200,000 allocated quarterly. This initiative is essential for advancing ecological research and restoration efforts in the Santa Barbara region.

The FY 2025-26 Listos California Regional Grant (LM) aims to support nonprofits in California's Coastal Region by enhancing disaster preparedness for diverse populations affected by emergencies. This initiative encourages collaboration among nonprofits to provide essential training and resources, ensuring communities are better equipped for disaster response and recovery. With a focus on equity, the program serves areas identified as moderate to high risk, benefiting multiple counties within the region.

The Belvedere Community Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of Belvedere and the Tiburon Peninsula through funding various community projects. Grants support initiatives in education, public safety, and environmental preservation, among others. Eligible applicants must be located in Marin County and demonstrate how their projects align with the foundation's mission. The program encourages matching funding and focuses on community enhancement.

The Morris Stulsaft Foundation offers the Participation in the Arts Grant for organizations serving youth ages 5 to 18 in the Bay Area. This grant focuses on providing essential arts education, promoting creativity, and fostering community connections among economically vulnerable children. Programs must include at least 15 hours of immersive art experiences and align with California's educational standards. The foundation prioritizes strong leadership in organizations to ensure impactful programming for under-served populations.

The Weeden Foundation Grant supports biodiversity conservation initiatives worldwide. It prioritizes projects that protect endangered species, restore habitats, and promote sustainable practices. The foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations or their international equivalents, focusing on areas such as bird conservation, marine wildlife protection, and systemic support for environmental policies. Applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry four weeks before the application deadline, and the foundation does not fund multi-year grants or projects outside its focus areas.

The Liberated Paths Grantmaking Program aims to empower Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-led organizations in the outdoor and environmental sectors. By providing financial support, capacity building, and fostering community networks, this initiative addresses the funding disparities faced by these groups. It prioritizes projects that intersect racial justice and environmental sustainability across various regions, including California, the Pacific Northwest, the Southwest, and the Delaware River Watershed, enhancing access to nature for marginalized communities.

The Environmental Grant Program by the Marisla Foundation focuses on marine resources conservation, emphasizing the protection of biodiversity in regions like California, Northwest Mexico, Hawaii, and the Western Pacific. Established in 1986, the foundation supports tax-exempt organizations and encourages sustainable ecosystem management. Grants are not available to individuals or for political activities. The program aims to foster international projects through donor-advised funds, reinforcing its commitment to environmental health.

The Baldwin Hills Conservancy, established in 2000, focuses on acquiring and managing open space within California's Baldwin Hills area. Its mission includes enhancing public enjoyment of these lands while protecting wildlife habitats. The Proposition 1 grant program aims to support watershed protection, restoration projects, and urban greening initiatives. The Conservancy prioritizes projects that yield multiple benefits, including improving ecosystem health, increasing climate resilience, and collaborating with local agencies to implement effective water management strategies.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation supports organizations that aid children and youth affected by abuse and neglect, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's mission. Applications are considered for traditional, capital, and program support, focusing on sustainable solutions and clear objectives. Organizations must operate in areas with In-N-Out Burger locations to qualify.

The Desert Tortoise Recovery Partnership aims to restore and protect the Mojave desert tortoise populations in California's western Mojave Desert. Formed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and various military and environmental agencies, this initiative seeks to address urgent conservation needs and enhance habitat through a funding opportunity of up to $1 million. The partnership exemplifies a collaborative effort to balance species recovery with military operations, ensuring both ecological and operational sustainability.

The California Arts Council offers the Individual Artists Fellowship to support California artists across diverse disciplines. This program emphasizes racial equity and is administered through regionally-based organizations that assist artists in their applications and promote their work. Funding tiers range from $5,000 to $50,000, aimed at emerging to legacy artists, ensuring that a broad spectrum of artistic expression is recognized and celebrated. The initiative underscores the importance of artists' contributions to their communities.

The Youth Access to Nature Fund, established by Justice Outside, aims to enhance access to nature for youth of color in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a focus on racial justice and environmental education, the fund supports projects that empower young leaders and promote mental well-being. Grants up to $25,000 are available for initiatives that engage communities and foster relationships with the outdoors, ensuring that marginalized voices are prioritized in environmental movements.

The Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Local Assistance Grants provide essential funding to local public and non-profit entities in California for the implementation of Natural Community Conservation Plans. This program, governed by Fish and Game Code, enables the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to support high-priority tasks for wildlife habitat preservation and restoration. Grants are awarded annually, emphasizing collaboration with key wildlife agencies to address urgent conservation needs.

The California Ocean Protection Council is offering $10 million to advance 30×30 initiatives in coastal waters. This funding aims to enhance biodiversity conservation, strengthen protections in existing Conservation Areas, and support the identification of new areas. Additionally, the projects will provide direct benefits through environmental restoration and stewardship activities, emphasizing the role of local communities and California Native American tribes in managing coastal ecosystems. Proposals will be accepted across three action tracks for a duration of up to two years.

The Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation (TYCF) is dedicated to preserving the Lake Tahoe marine environment and supporting local organizations. Through the Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance, TYCF has raised over $410,000 for charitable causes, including the Tahoe Maritime Museum and Boys’ and Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, ensuring that funds directly benefit the community and promote the history and culture of the Tahoe Basin.

The Division of Boating and Waterways offers the Sewage Management Education and Outreach Grant Program to educate Californians about proper boat sewage disposal. Established under the Clean Vessel Act of 1992, this program funds pumpout stations and promotes public awareness in targeted regions including the San Francisco Bay Delta and Southern California Coastal Counties. Grants will support education, outreach, and monitoring efforts to ensure safe and environmentally friendly boating practices.

The Pacific Seabird Program RFP, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, invites proposals aimed at enhancing seabird conservation from 2022 to 2027. This initiative seeks to address the threats faced by at-risk seabird species through habitat restoration, invasive species management, and reducing bycatch in fisheries. Projects within four specific Pacific regions are eligible, focusing on long-term resilience and population recovery for these vital species.

The Bank of Marin's Annual Grant Program focuses on enhancing community welfare through support for nonprofits that promote social and economic vitality, education, and wellness. With a commitment to collaborative efforts since 1990, the bank has invested millions into local initiatives. It prioritizes funding for basic needs, educational programs, and arts access, and has been recognized as a leading corporate philanthropist in Northern California.

The Community Progress Makers Fund, an initiative by the Citi Foundation, aims to empower local organizations by providing $50 million in unrestricted funding. This program, established in 2015, will support 50 selected community organizations over three years with grants of $1 million each, alongside technical assistance and opportunities for collaboration. The fund prioritizes organizations with strong community ties and a proven impact in areas such as affordable housing, economic development, financial health, and workforce readiness.

The WHALE TAIL Grants Program, managed by the California Coastal Commission, supports initiatives that engage children and the public with California's coast and watersheds through hands-on education and stewardship. Projects focused on climate change impacts, beach maintenance, and habitat restoration with an educational element are encouraged. The program aims to serve underrepresented communities, ensuring a diverse geographical reach across California, thus promoting environmental awareness and coastal conservation.