Best Quality of Life Grants in California

About

A Century Of Progress

Since 1920, we have worked together with our members to provide advocacy, education, career development, and networking opportunities to experienced and next generation construction and contracting professionals. From the moment you become an AGC member, we go to bat for you with state and local governments, while helping you connect with industry leaders through services, innovative programs, and events.

Scholarships & Giving

Equipped for the Future

AGC is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to current professionals and students pursuing an education and career in construction.

Geared for college students, this scholarship addresses the need for well-trained, certified construction safety professionals that has compounded in recent years. This is a great opportunity for college students pursuing CM, CE, or adjacent AEC/safety-related degrees with a strong interest and/or proven internship history in construction safety. 

The OC-CNPS Horticultural Grant supports individuals and organizations in Orange County, California, in enhancing urban gardens with native plants. Grants of up to $500 are available to cover costs associated with installing, maintaining, or educating the public about California native flora. Eligible projects include public gardens, interpretive signage, and educational materials. Applications are accepted year-round, contingent on available funds, and grant recipients agree to promote their projects in OCCNPS communications.

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-26-601 - Charger Service Skills Accelerator

Purpose

This is a competitive grant solicitation. The California Energy Commission’s (CEC’s) Clean Transportation Program announces the availability of up to $6,000,000 in grant funds for projects that will increase the qualified workforce needed to service electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment. 

Funding will support training that leads to portable, industry-recognized credentials and may be used to expand existing training programs to include EV charging equipment service.

The California Advanced Services Fund's Broadband Public Housing Account Grant aims to provide funding for the development of broadband networks that deliver free internet services to low-income residents. Eligible projects include publicly supported housing and mobile home parks lacking access to broadband. Grants finance up to 100% of installation costs, ensuring that underserved communities receive high-quality internet access, which is essential for education, employment, and social connectivity.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

The Dwight Stuart Youth Fund Grant supports organizations providing essential services to underserved youth in Los Angeles County. Established in 2001, it aims to empower children through educational enrichment, arts, and leadership programs. The fund emphasizes capacity building, allowing organizations to enhance their impact. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and focus on direct services for marginalized communities. The grant excludes funding for individuals, political activities, and projects outside the specified geographic area.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. offers an Undergraduate Scholarship Program specifically designed for students with disabilities. This needs-based scholarship assists eligible individuals in pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. Since its inception in 1981, the program has expanded to provide multiple scholarships annually, allowing recipients to reapply for up to four years of support. Applicants must be U.S. citizens residing in California or Hawaii, and demonstrate financial need while having a qualifying disability.

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.

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.

California Documentary Project Grants

The California Documentary Project (CDP) supports nonfiction film, audio, and digital media projects that explore the histories, cultures, ideas, and experiences that shape California. Through a humanities-based approach, CDP supports storytellers in bringing California’s diverse experiences, forms of knowledge, communities, and histories to audiences across the state and beyond. CDP Research and

Research & Development Grants 

Research & Development grants support documentary media projects in their earliest stages, helping strengthen their humanities content and approach as they move toward production. 

Best for: Projects in the research, development, and early planning stages. 

The Helping Justice-Involved Reenter Employment 2.0 (HIRE 2.0) grant program, funded by the California Workforce Development Board, offers approximately $9.5 million to support employment opportunities for justice-involved individuals. This program focuses on training, reskilling, and supportive services to enhance job mobility. Exclusively available to existing HIRE 1.0 grantees and Network Spokes, it aims to improve workforce programming for the reentry population while fostering collaboration among local agencies and community organizations.

California Department of Education

California will provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, we prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world.

Golden State Pathways Program - Implementation Funds for Planning Grant Pathways

Funding Description

The purpose of the California Golden State Pathways Program is to provide local educational agencies with the resources to promote pathways in high-wage, high-skill, high-growth areas, including technology, health care, education, and climate-related fields that, among other things, allow pupils to advance seamlessly from high school to college and career and provide the workforce needed for economic growth.

The Kitchen Infrastructure and Training and Retention and Recruitment Grant offers $155 million in funding to enhance school nutrition programs across California. This initiative supports public school districts and charter schools in improving meal quality through procurement of local ingredients, staffing training, and infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, it aims to recruit and retain food service professionals, ensuring the provision of high-quality meals meets increasing demands. Eligible entities must apply online to access these competitive grants.

About Us

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Mission & Values

Our vision is for just, equitable and resilient communities.

Our mission is to inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region.

We value all people, all partners and our region.

Common Scholarship Application

Achieve your Higher Education Dreams

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) has established a $1 million funding pool for research on consumer affordability challenges and cost drivers using the Healthcare Payments Database (HPD). This initiative aims to support up to five grantees, with awards of up to $500,000 available this and the following spring. Researchers are encouraged to utilize alternative dissemination channels outside of CHCF’s traditional publication routes to share their findings.

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 Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) aims to enhance California's rail and transit systems through transformative capital improvements. Funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, it focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding transit services, and improving safety. The program is designed to benefit disadvantaged communities, ensuring that at least 25% of funds support projects that address their needs. Overall, TIRCP seeks to modernize transportation and promote sustainable transit solutions in California.

The County Medical Services Program Loan Repayment Program (CMSPLRP) aims to attract and retain healthcare professionals in California by offering educational debt relief for those providing primary care or dental services in designated CMSP counties. This program supports the repayment of qualified educational loans, enhancing local healthcare delivery and ensuring access to quality medical services for underserved populations.

The County of Santa Clara's Agricultural Resilience Incentive (ARI) Grant Program provides up to $30,000 in funding to farmers and ranchers for practices that enhance soil health and promote climate resilience. Established in 2019, this program aims to support sustainable agricultural practices while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Applications are currently being accepted, with a deadline of May 31st. This initiative not only aids in environmental conservation but also bolsters the local agricultural community.

The Tobacco Grant Program in California, established under Proposition 56, aims to reduce illegal sales and marketing of tobacco products to minors. Administered by the Office of the Attorney General, it has provided about $184.7 million in funding since 2017 to local law enforcement agencies. This reimbursement grant program evaluates funding based on submitted proposals, ensuring financial support for effective tobacco enforcement efforts across the state.

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.

The Small and Rural Hospital Relief Program (SRHRP) provides essential funding and technical assistance for seismic compliance projects aimed at small, rural, and Critical Access hospitals in California. Funded by the California Electronic Cigarette Excise Tax, this program assists eligible hospitals in meeting safety standards to ensure they remain operational after earthquakes, thereby preserving access to vital healthcare services for their communities.

The Decorative Arts Trust offers the DARTS Grant to support graduate students researching decorative arts topics related to objects and collections on the West Coast. Since 2003, grants between $500 and $1,000 have been awarded, promoting diversity in American decorative arts studies. Recipients must submit a report post-travel detailing their research impact. This initiative underscores the Trust's commitment to fostering appreciation and scholarship in decorative arts.