Best Marketing Grants for Nonprofits in California

Conference Grants and Research Training Awards

Objective

The mission of 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 September 2024, CIRM released its Strategic Allocation Framework (SAF), a structured and data-driven process guiding how the Agency prioritizes its funding and programs.

To this end, CIRM will periodically issue Requests for Applications (RFA) to support valuable mission-specific conferences that complement CIRM’s Programs and align with the Strategic Allocation Framework. Recipients of these conference grants are expected to collaborate with CIRM to fulfill a specific need as defined in the RFA.

EDUC3: Funding Opportunity for Summer Programs to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge (SPARK)

Objective 

To inspire, educate, and motivate high school students to become involved in CIRM’s mission to accelerate world-class science and deliver transformative regenerative medicine treatments in an equitable manner to a diverse California and world

To provide summer training opportunities and broaden participation in stem cell, gene therapy, and related research to high school students, including those who might not otherwise have opportunities for summer research internships due to social, geographic, or other constraints

Scope

SPARK Awards support mentored, hands-on summer internships for high school students in regenerative medicine related science. Each program is led by a qualified program director who is responsible for coordinating all activities supported by the program, including recruitment and selection of qualified trainees and tracking program alumni. Additional activities include educational enhancements, patient engagement, community outreach, and participation in a culminating summer conference. To broaden internship possibilities, an applicant institution may collaborate with other organizations to provide broader program access to candidate trainees/interns.

The CIF Capacity Builder Awards by Endeavor Health focus on enhancing community health through strategic investments. With over $38.5 million allocated to local partnerships, these awards aim to address critical areas like healthcare access, food insecurity, and workforce development. Designed for nonprofit organizations, the awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 annually for 1-2 years, fostering long-term community impact and advancing health equity in the service areas.

The Big Bets Fellowship: Economic Opportunity in the United States is a transformative 4-month program designed to empower emerging leaders to tackle economic challenges head-on. With a focus on innovative solutions for job creation, affordable housing, and equitable access to resources, the fellowship equips participants with essential skills and a supportive network. The initiative aims to drive systemic change and promote sustainable economic prosperity, addressing inequalities while fostering resilient communities across the nation.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

The DISC5 Awards, funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, aim to support innovative research in stem cell technologies that enhance patient care. Grants of up to $1.5 million for individual projects and $3 million for team efforts are available, with a project duration of up to three years. These awards encourage collaboration and focus on addressing critical knowledge gaps in regenerative medicine, promoting diversity and inclusivity in research.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within specific states. They prioritize initiatives that enhance community welfare, especially in agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply, and preference is given to those involving Perdue associates. Ineligible requests include those from religious, political, or individual-focused groups. This program emphasizes broad community benefits over organizational affiliations.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) program supports postdoctoral fellows in transitioning their research to extramural institutions. The program includes a mentored intramural phase (up to two years) followed by an extramural phase (three years), totaling five years of support. Applications have multiple deadlines, including October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others. Successful transition depends on the awardee's progress during the mentored phase, evaluated by NHLBI.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Michelson Smart Justice Initiative offers Smart Justice Spark Grants aimed at reducing recidivism and supporting the re-entry of system-impacted individuals through enhanced access to education and employment. The initiative focuses on expanding pathways for incarcerated individuals pursuing firefighting careers and improving higher education programming in prisons. It seeks innovative projects that promote policy advocacy, ensure educational quality, and facilitate housing for reentering individuals, ultimately contributing to successful reintegration into society.

About Us

Our Vision

Healthy, thriving, and resilient communities for all

Our Mission

The mission of the Council is to coordinate and work collaboratively with public agencies, communities, and stakeholders to achieve sustainability, equity, economic prosperity, and quality of life for all Californians

Community Resilience Centers Round 2

From extreme heat to wildfires, recent climate events and public health emergencies impact every part of California. The best available projections anticipate that these climate impacts will intensify. In the face of these challenges, strengthening resilience requires investments in both physical and social infrastructure. In addition to climate resilience activities, community resilience builds ongoing social cohesion, trust, and networks.

The Community Resilience Centers (CRC) Program:

• Funds the planning, construction, and retrofit of community resilience centers across California’s diverse communities
• Advances communities’ capacity to plan for long-term resilience and acute emergencies
• Encourages meaningful engagement, cross-sectoral collaboration, community-based partnerships, and shared governance and decision-making models
• Mitigates the public health impacts of extreme heat and other emergency situations exacerbated by climate change
• Prioritizes projects located in and benefiting under-resourced, rural, unincorporated, and Tribal communities across geographically diverse regions in the state of California

The Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation, established in 1963, is dedicated to enhancing life quality in communities linked to California pioneer Henry Mayo Newhall. It funds initiatives in academic enrichment, animal welfare, scholarships, historical preservation, and outreach for the disadvantaged. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for one year, with potential renewals based on effectiveness. The Foundation prioritizes proposals from nonprofit organizations in specific California regions, emphasizing matching or challenge grants.

The Bike Safety and Awareness Grant, offered by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, aims to enhance community education on bike safety and coexistence with vehicles. With a total of $17,000 available, two grants of up to $8,500 each will be awarded. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) designated and promote cycling safety in California. This initiative honors Maggie, a dedicated advocate for bike safety, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to impactful philanthropy.

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.

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.

The Wabtec Direct Grant Program focuses on creating sustainable impacts in local communities by funding 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Emphasizing education and environmental stewardship, the program supports initiatives that improve literacy, academic outcomes, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, prioritizing organizations that engage local Wabtec employees in volunteerism. The program promotes equitable access and non-discrimination while ensuring measurable results in funded projects.

The Silicon Schools Fund Grant supports innovative K-12 education models in California, focusing on empowering students and enhancing teaching through technology. By investing in excellent charter, district, and independent schools, as well as education support providers, the fund aims to create engaging learning environments that prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Their commitment to educational excellence fosters a collaborative approach to developing effective teaching tools and strategies.

The After School Education and Safety (ASES) program for FY 2024-25 aims to enhance literacy and academic enrichment for students in grades K-9 through partnerships between schools and community resources. This funding will sustain existing before and after school programs and ensure eligibility for all elementary and middle schools in California that submit quality applications, fostering safe and constructive alternatives for students.

The Workforce Education and Training Peer Personnel Training and Placement program aims to provide essential training for peer personnel on critical issues such as crisis management, suicide prevention, and recovery planning. This initiative emphasizes the inclusion of individuals with lived experience in mental health services, ensuring they receive the necessary support and training. The program outlines a comprehensive framework for recruitment, training, placement, and evaluation to effectively prepare peer personnel for their roles.

The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) Fellowship: Brave Heart empowers Native youth leaders aged 18-24 to engage in environmental justice and advocacy. Through tailored training, mentorship, and community projects, CNAY fosters skills in leadership, stewardship of lands, and food sovereignty. This fellowship addresses the representation gap for Indigenous Peoples in climate justice, promoting cultural preservation while mobilizing youth to protect sacred sites and waterways. Applications are open to eligible Native youth residing in specific regions.

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.

Alaska Airlines Corporate Giving supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through in-kind donations and sponsorships. Focused on youth success, career readiness, care and belonging, environmental sustainability, and community resiliency, the program aims to strengthen communities served by Alaska Airlines. Organizations are encouraged to submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. However, support is generally granted on a one-time basis, and certain groups, such as those that discriminate or engage in capital projects, are ineligible.

The Douglas Foundation Grant aims to enhance equitable access to education, healthcare, and the arts, focusing on improving the lives of children and women in California. The Foundation accepts grant applications year-round from credible not-for-profit organizations, prioritizing those that effectively utilize at least 80% of their revenues for direct services. Preference is given to agencies serving disadvantaged communities, particularly in Los Angeles County, while ensuring that operational costs are minimized.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Oil Spill Response Equipment Grant, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, provides funding to local government agencies for purchasing essential oil spill response equipment. This program aims to enhance the readiness of first responders in mitigating oil spills, ensuring economic stability in affected communities. Grants also cover training and equipment delivery, focusing on agencies located near state waters. Applications are accepted continuously, emphasizing ongoing support for local environmental protection efforts.

About

Being deeply connected to the community means more than providing access to excellent healthcare. It means understanding, and investing in, the health needs of our community.

Through our Community Investment Fund (CIF), Endeavor Health has awarded more than $38.5 million to 59 local partnerships dedicated to enhancing community health and wellbeing, advancing health equity and supporting local economic growth. Together, we’re committed to helping everyone in our communities be their best.

Award categories

Through the CIF, we will make meaningful and intentional investments through impact awards and capacity builder awards. These awards are intended to meaningfully advance the health of our community over time towards three bold aspirations through investments in five areas of focus.

We aspire to a future where:

• A person’s zip code does not determine how long they will live
• Hunger and homelessness in our communities are history
• The healthcare workforce is thriving and representative of the communities we serve

To help advance these aspirations, the CIF will invest in the following areas:

• Access to healthcare
• Behavioral health
• Food insecurity
• Housing insecurity
• Workforce development for careers in healthcare

Impact awards

• Designed for 5-year initiatives where organizations come together to drive measurable impact and longer-term change in the communities we serve by improving existing systems and innovation
• Emphasize strategic cross-sector and/or intra-sector partnerships between community-based organizations
• Uplift community members of greatest need
• Directly align with CIF areas of focus and meaningfully contribute to CIF goals
• Award amount: $1 million per year, up to 5 years

The Proposition 68 Fish and Wildlife Improvement Grant Opportunities provide funding to enhance community resilience against climate change through projects aimed at improving fisheries and wildlife habitats, agricultural viability, and recreational opportunities. Administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, these grants specifically support the restoration of rivers and streams, particularly within the Klamath-Trinity Watershed, ensuring sustainable environmental practices and economic benefits for local communities.