Best Public Infrastructure Grants in California

The Coachella Valley - Proposition 68 Grant Program, administered by the California Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, provides funding to public agencies, nonprofits, and tribes for projects that enhance watershed health, land conservation, and community resilience. This initiative aligns with the 2018 California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access Act, promoting public access to parks and encouraging water conservation efforts while addressing climate change impacts.

Mission

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1923. The Council fosters innovative research, nurtures new generations of social scientists, deepens how inquiry is practiced within and across disciplines, and mobilizes necessary knowledge on important public issues.

Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network

With generous support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Social Science Research Council is pleased to invite U.S. R1 research universities in SSRC’s College and University Fund for the Social Sciences to apply for funding to join the Public Exchange Network. Public Exchange is a new network that turns university research expertise into real-world action and impact. Foundedat the University of Southern California in 2020 and expanded to Washington University in St. Louis in 2025, Public Exchange connects researchers with government, nonprofit, and industry partners to tackle pressing challenges—from disaster recovery and climate solutions to food insecurity and homelessness prevention. Since its founding, Public Exchange has developed high-impact collaborations between 48 partners and 142 researchers including:

• CLEAN LA and CLEAN STL: One of the largest free soil testing programs for lead in Los Angeles County following the January 2025 wildfires, and a related program in St. Louis to test soil and air for contaminants following the May 2025 EF-3 tornado;
• The California Solar Canal Initiative: An ambitious public-private research collaboration to advance solar panel infrastructure along California’s 4,000 miles of open aqueduct, conserving water and generating renewable energy;
• Food Base LA: LA County’s first food systems data dashboard, helping LA County and non-profit partners target distribution of millions of pounds of food and related resources to families experiencing food insecurity;
• ShadeLA: A people-powered campaign to cool Los Angeles ahead of the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics by advancing natural and built shade cover in the region.

Partners have included the City and County of Los Angeles, the State of California, the City of St. Louis, Yelp, Solar AquaGrid, the United Nations Foundation, Keck Medicine of USC, the Southern California Association of Governments, Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Department of Angels and many more. In addition to real-world impact positively affecting millions of lives, Public Exchange collaborations have resulted in over $18m in research funding, some helping to incubate new centers or areas of research, more than 40 academic journal publications, hundreds of media hits, and dozens of student career opportunities. 

The Public Exchange Model

Public Exchange is a partner-driven program, working collaboratively with external partners to: (1) define a research scope, timeline, and deliverables; (2) identify the right team of multidisciplinary academic experts to analyze the problem; (3) provide project management from concept and strategy development to project outputs and tools delivery; and (4) manage the public and stakeholder engagement related to the project, as well as communications and design needs. Public Exchange staff are not researchers, but come from government, industry, and non-profit backgrounds, uniquely equipping project teams to understand partners’ needs and lead projects to action. Staff oversee activities including partnership and proposal development, funder cultivation, research translation, dissemination, and communications, impact and scaling strategy, administrative support, cross-sector convening, and more, to maximize the real-world impact of university expertise. Public Exchange builds results-driven teams that deliver measurable impact and lasting solutions for partners.

How the Public Exchange Network Works

No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together. 

As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:

• The tools, templates and training they need to start right away;
• A shared brand they can plug into on day one;
• A network of faculty, past and potential partners and philanthropic relationships, benefitting everyone in the network. 

SSRC Public Exchange Network Expansion Grants

Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.

In addition, every university in the Public Exchange Network benefits from central communications support (currently housed at USC), and access to a collaborative network of project partners, researchers, and funder relationships. Separately, SSRC will select a local research fellow to study and document how the Public Exchange model develops within and between host institutions during the grant term, and how the Public Exchange Network universities work together to effect larger-scale change. 

Expectations

Institutions selected to join the Public Exchange Network are expected to:

• Hire an Executive Director who can launch and lead efforts to incubate social impact projects with public and private sector partners;
• Have in place before public launch: (1) an executive director, (2) a seed fund, (3) a modest operations budget, and (4 – recommended) some in-kind project management support. 
• Develop and sustain at least three high-impact research partnerships during the two-year grant tenure;
• Invest modest resources during the grant term that demonstrate commitment to continuing the Public Exchange model after the end of philanthropic support. This is estimated at approximately $85-$90k annually (with some variation considering local labor markets) to support an operations and project seed fund and any additional capital needed for the Executive Director hire beyond the subsidy. 
• Coordinate with the SSRC research fellow who will examine the impact of Public Exchange at their university and across the network. 
• Work with faculty across their university. Public Exchange can live anywhere within a university at the school or central level. The majority of Public Exchange projects to date at USC and WashU have included researchers from two or more schools, and grantees must be able to work with faculty university-wide. 

Recycling manufacturers and organics infrastructure developers in California can apply for the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Loan Program to finance machinery, equipment, and related project costs. Funding supports composting, anaerobic digestion, and facilities that turn fiber, plastic, or glass waste into beneficial products, strengthening public-facing recycling infrastructure and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Wildfire Prevention Grant Program by the California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy aims to mitigate the impact of wildfires exacerbated by climate change. This program supports projects that enhance forest health, promote sustainable land use, and develop community resilience. Funding ranges from $300,000 to $2,000,000, focusing on strategic fire prevention planning and management in vulnerable areas, particularly the San Gabriel Mountains and urban wildlife corridors.

With a mission to enhance stream flows and protect fish and wildlife, California Wildlife Conservation Board provides California public agencies, nonprofits, utilities, tribes, and mutual water companies with funding for projects that improve water management infrastructure and habitat. Eligible projects include water transactions, conservation measures, storage and diversion changes, groundwater and reservoir operations, and habitat restoration that measurably increase instream flows.

Nonprofits, government agencies, and California Native American tribes in California can seek funding to plan or implement public access infrastructure for wildlife-oriented recreation, hunting, and fishing. The California Wildlife Conservation Board supports projects such as trails, ADA facilities, interpretive signage, and outreach that expand equitable access to parks and natural areas, including for underserved communities.

Grants from Rosenberg Foundation help California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies advance criminal justice reform, immigrant and workers’ rights, and civil rights through leadership development, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing. Organizations working to dismantle systemic barriers for low-income communities and communities of color may receive up to US $100,000 for aligned initiatives.

California public schools, school districts, and nonprofit organizations can access funding through S H Cowell Foundation to strengthen community-serving programs and infrastructure for children, youth, and families. Grants support place-based work in Northern and Central California communities facing widespread poverty, emphasizing racial equity, community development, public spaces, and other public infrastructure that advances resident well-being and opportunity.

California public infrastructure and housing entities, nonprofits, and businesses can access funding through the California Public Utilities Commission Foundation to build broadband networks for low-income communities. Grants and loans, up to US $15,000,000, can cover up to 100% of inside wiring and broadband equipment costs for eligible public housing and similar developments.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

Public and charter elementary schools in eligible California counties can use this grant to expand PLTW Launch STEM programs, including new modules, student access, and teacher training. Project Lead The Way provides up to US $5,000 for participation fees, required devices, program equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs for the 2027–2028 year.

Public agencies in California planning biking, walking, or other active transportation projects can apply for regional funding to improve public infrastructure and safety. The San Diego Association of Governments administers this program for projects in San Diego County that expand non-motorized transportation options, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support healthier, more connected communities.

The California Fire Foundation is offering the California Rises 2025 Grant to support California-based fire departments, firefighter associations, tribes, and nonprofits engaged in wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. This grant aims to assist in long-term recovery by funding essential resources for first responders and communities affected by wildfires. Eligible projects include community relief, training, and equipment replacement, with awards ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government agencies, and schools in California working on amateur radio, digital communications, or STEAM education can apply for Amateur Radio Digital Communications grants to support programs, research, and infrastructure. Projects must advance amateur radio or communication technology and make all resulting software, hardware, and materials openly accessible to the public.

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.

Nonprofits, schools, government entities, and community-serving faith-based organizations working in Orange County, California can access unrestricted capacity-building support for talent, systems, equipment, or expert services. Grants from Samueli Foundation help California community service providers strengthen staffing, infrastructure, and organizational effectiveness, with awards of US $50,000 - US $100,000 for one-year projects.

Manufacturers in California investing in equipment for alternative energy, advanced transportation, recycling, or advanced manufacturing facilities can receive up to US $10,000,000 in in-kind sales and use tax exclusions through the Sales Tax Exclusion (STE) Program. The California State Treasurer's Office, via CAEATFA, helps reduce project costs for qualifying public infrastructure-related manufacturing investments statewide.

Public infrastructure and affordable housing developers in California can seek support for projects that combine housing with sustainable transportation infrastructure and amenities. California Strategic Growth Council’s Affordable Housing & Sustainable Communities Program funds new or renovated affordable housing, transit vehicles, sidewalks, bikeways, and related features that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging walking, biking, and public transit use.

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.

California forest-sector businesses and workforce development programs can seek funding to expand wood products, biomass processing, and bioenergy infrastructure through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Grants from US $10,000 - US $5,000,000 support projects that strengthen wood products industries, promote clean technologies, and build a resilient forest-related workforce across California.

Michelson 20MM Foundation provides California nonprofits and educational institutions with up to US $25,000 for projects advancing student basic needs, digital equity, and economic mobility. U.S.-based organizations whose work impacts California can propose systemic housing, benefits access, workforce development, or data and policy efforts that strengthen public-serving infrastructure for higher education students.

Higher education institutions and education-focused organizations in California can seek up to US $25,000 to advance open educational resources and textbook affordability initiatives. With a mission to strengthen postsecondary access and equity, Michelson 20MM Foundation provides just-in-time Spark Grants for projects such as Zero Textbook Cost degree implementation, OER research, and related policy or public education efforts.

Impact100 Orange County empowers women to become philanthropists through its transformational grant-making model, providing grants of at least $100,000 to nonprofit organizations. Focused on five key areas—Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Family, and Health & Wellness—the initiative aims to create a positive impact in local communities. By fostering sustainable projects, it ensures that the funds contribute to long-term benefits for the residents of Orange County.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing civil legal aid to indigent clients can apply for California Access to Justice Commission’s infrastructure and innovation grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $150,000 per project. Funding supports capacity-building and innovative service delivery systems, with special consideration for projects serving rural or underserved immigrant communities and partnering with community-based organizations.