Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in California

Monitoring and Synthesis to Inform Offshore Development and Marine Ecosystem Management in California: 2027 Request for Proposals

California's ocean waters are among the most closely monitored in the world, with numerous independent programs tracking biological and physical variables across a range of spatial and temporal scales. These programs support fisheries management, protected-species recovery, marine protected area management, and ecosystem assessment. Baseline monitoring data is critical as California’s offshore areas are being considered for offshore development, including for ocean energy. Such development introduces additional potential drivers of disturbance to the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME), and their potential effects on the surrounding environment will need to be considered.

The California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) and California Sea Grant College Program (CASG) are soliciting proposals for applied research that will strengthen the state's ability to detect and understand ecological change and disturbance in the CCLME as offshore development opportunities continue to be considered. This solicitation supports two complementary tracks to assess baseline conditions for current and/or future offshore development in California, including offshore energy: Track 1 addresses whether existing monitoring can detect disturbance against natural and/or climate-driven variability, and Track 2 supports the collection of targeted new field data where monitoring is absent or out of date. Proposals may combine elements of both tracks; hybrid proposals are evaluated on the same criteria as single-track proposals and receive no preference for combining tracks.

A total of $2,700,000 is available for funding: Ocean Protection Council will contribute $2,300,000 of state funds and California Sea Grant will contribute $400,000 of NOAA federal funds, contingent upon availability of funds from the Ocean Protection Council and NOAA. Total project budgets must be a minimum of $50,000 and may not exceed $750,000 (to include indirect costs, if any). It is anticipated that 3 to 5 projects will be awarded. The amount of funding requested should be appropriate for the scope of work proposed; this will be assessed in proposals as part of the evaluation criteria. 

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, supports projects that boost the competitiveness of California's specialty crops. This annual grant opportunity is aimed at enhancing various crops including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticultural products. Eligible projects can receive funding through a competitive solicitation process, fostering innovation and growth within the state's agricultural sector.

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.

About Elevate Youth California (EYC)EYC is grounded in social justice youth development (SJYD), which expands the concept of a positive youth development framework and addresses social factors including racism, xenophobia, and other racial inequities youth face as they develop into adulthood. Through a public health and harm reduction lens, EYC supports culturally and linguistically responsive, healing-centered, and trauma-informed strategies that prevent substance use before it begins, particularly in communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs. Youth Substance Use Disorder Prevention: Standard Track Cohort 8The required goal of this funding opportunity is to address SUD prevention by investing in youth

leadership and civic engagement for youth of color and 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth ages 12 to 26 living in communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. California Department of Health Care Services is seeking applications that: 

• Support youth engagement that focuses on youth civic engagement, specifically in communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.
• Possess cultural humility and responsiveness with staff and organizational leadership who reflect the racial, ethnic, and cultural community they intend to serve.
• Prioritize public health solutions that focus on positive messages to prevent SUD.
• Develop culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate social justice youth development, peerto-peer support, and mentoring programs that are healing-centered, trauma-informed, and focused on youth ages 12 to 26.
• Utilize an intersectional approach to health equity through policy, systems, and environmental change.
• Implement SUD prevention activities that address the root causes of SUD, reduce risk factors, and increase protective factors. 

The California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP) promotes sustainable management of forest lands through financial assistance for various activities like forest management planning and habitat improvement. Aimed at both private and public landowners, the program supports investments in reforestation, soil and water quality, and overall forest health. Each solicitation period provides between $1 to $2 million to aid in these efforts, ensuring that California's forests remain productive and beneficial for future generations.

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.

The California State Forest Legacy Grant Program, administered by CAL FIRE, aims to conserve working forests through funding landscape-scale projects. Established under the California Forest Legacy Program Act of 2007, the program supports the purchase of conservation easements and fee title acquisitions to protect forested landscapes from subdivision and conversion. By collaborating with willing landowners, CAL FIRE seeks to enhance conservation efforts, ensuring ecological integrity and public access while maintaining the area's natural landscape.

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.

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 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 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 Explore the Coast Overnight Program by the California Coastal Conservancy aims to enhance overnight coastal access for all Californians, particularly low-income and underserved communities. This initiative focuses on expanding affordable accommodations such as hotels, campgrounds, and hostels. Key goals include improving existing facilities, supporting innovative projects, and increasing the availability of budget-friendly lodging along California’s coast, ensuring everyone can enjoy its natural beauty.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies can seek funding up to Up to US $100,000 for leadership development, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing. Grants from Rosenberg Foundation help California organizations advance criminal justice reform, immigrant and workers’ rights, and civil rights and civic engagement for low-income communities and communities of color.

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 Youth Community Access Grant Program, introduced by the California Natural Resources Agency, aims to enhance outdoor access for youth, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Funded by the Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Account, this program supports initiatives like community education and recreational amenities for substance use prevention. With approximately $18.5 million available, grants range from $25,000 to $500,000 to foster a healthier, more inclusive California.

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 Pet Lover’s Spay and Neuter Grant Program, facilitated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, aims to combat pet overpopulation by providing funding for spay/neuter services to municipalities and non-profits across California. With an anticipated budget of $500,000, individual grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 will be awarded to eligible projects. This initiative is funded through the Pet Lover’s License Plate Program and the Prevention of Animal Homelessness and Cruelty Tax Contribution Fund.

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.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available? 

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms? 

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients? 

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used? 

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

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 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.