Best Public Infrastructure Grants in California

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

California public infrastructure and disaster preparedness 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through WD-40 Company’s Memory Making Fund to support water-related disaster preparation and recovery projects. Grants up to US $200,000 help communities prone to hurricanes, heavy rainfall, and flooding protect equipment, machinery, tools, and other valuables as part of broader disaster resilience efforts in Southern California, Southern Florida, and New Jersey.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in California can seek US $25,000 - US $100,000 for environmental infrastructure and sustainability programs, including decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. American Honda supports projects like energy-efficiency upgrades, onsite solar or wind, recycling, composting, and greenspace improvements that benefit communities where Honda associates live and work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible schools in California can apply for Honda USA Foundation’s Mobility Pillar Award, offering US $25,000 - US $100,000 for disability-focused mobility programs. Funding supports therapeutic or adaptive services, comprehensive care, and mobility modifications, accommodations, and assistive technology that improve public access and infrastructure for people with disabilities.

California public and public charter schools seeking to start or expand PLTW Engineering programs can use this grant to fund PLTW participation fees, required computers or tablets, core training, and program-required equipment and supplies. Focused on STEM and K–12 enrichment, Project Lead The Way prioritizes schools serving students with demonstrated economic need; awards are US $30,000.

California public and public charter schools expanding existing PLTW Engineering programs can use this US $10,000 grant for PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training costs. Project Lead The Way, with support from the Lam Foundation, prioritizes schools serving students with economic need in eligible California counties.

California public and charter middle schools implementing new PLTW Gateway or PLTW Engineering programs can use this US $20,000 grant for PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and teacher core training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help eligible schools, especially those serving students with economic need, build STEM pathways that may support local public infrastructure goals.

Public middle and high schools in select California counties expanding an existing PLTW Gateway program can apply for US $10,000 to cover PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and teacher core training. With a mission to empower students through real-world STEM learning, Project Lead The Way prioritizes schools serving students with demonstrated economic need.

Focused on K–12 STEM education, Project Lead The Way invites California public and public charter schools to seek funding to launch new PLTW Launch programs. Eligible schools must be in specified counties and can use up to US $15,000 for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs.

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.

California public and charter schools expanding Project Lead The Way STEM programs can use this $5,000 grant for PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and teacher training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help K–12 schools, especially those serving students with economic need, grow PLTW Launch, Gateway, or Engineering offerings in eligible counties.

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.

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.

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.

California public agencies, tribes, fire districts, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek funding for wildfire prevention projects that protect people, structures, and communities in California. CAL FIRE provides support for hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention planning, and public education efforts, including equipment purchases and community programs that also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public safety.

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.