Search Through Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in California in the U.S.

The Baldwin Hills Conservancy (BHC) is accepting applications for a year-round Proposition 84 BHC grant program to support projects that protect the water quality of the Ballona Creek Watershed and provide linkages and trails to the Baldwin Hills Parklands.

Background

The BHC’s mission is to acquire open space, manage public lands within the Baldwin Hills area, and to provide recreation, restoration and protection of wildlife habitat within the territory for the public's enjoyment and educational experience. Proposition 84, the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006, was passed by California voters on November 7, 2006. Proposition 84 allocated $10 million to the BHC for the protection of the Ballona Creek Watershed and the Baldwin Hills Parklands. Proposals for up to $1 million can be submitted by applicants under the BHC’s open solicitation program. Projects approved for funding under this grant program will be implemented through the execution of a standard grant agreement between the project applicant and the BHC. BHC staff will be responsible for oversight of the Proposition 84 grant and project implementation.

Project Objectives

The purpose of the BHC Prop 84 grant program is to provide funds for planning and capital improvement projects that benefit the Ballona Creek Watershed and Baldwin Hills Conservancy territory through either:

• Protecting or preventing contamination and degradation of coastal waters and watersheds;
• Protecting and restoring the natural habitat values of coastal waters and lands; or
• Promoting access to and enjoyment of the coastal resources of the state.

Eligible projects must be consistent with the adopted Baldwin Hills Park Master Plan for expansion of Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area and the priorities set forth in the Baldwin Hills Conservancy’s Summarized Strategic Plan. Proposed projects should seek to implement or expand on one or more of the following goals:

• Increase active recreation opportunities for underserved communities.
• Create and implement a comprehensive trail system.
• Provide for public access and entry ways.
• Protect and restore natural habitat.
• Protect critical view sheds.
• Protect and improve urban water quality.
• Emphasize connection between existing parks, trails, and urban streams.
• Restore industrial lands to park and open-space purposes.
• Protect watersheds connecting to Santa Monica Bay

Community Support Grant Program

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County supports local educational opportunities open to the public, and public events with broad community impact, that align with the Community Foundation’s strategic plan. Nonprofits, tribes, schools, special districts and organizations with a fiscal sponsor are eligible to apply for these small grants.

Each request is evaluated on:

• The alignment with the Community Foundation’s mission, vision, strategic plan, and current priorities.
• The impact the event will have on meeting immediate needs in Mendocino County.
• The quality of the planning.
• The scope of outreach in the broader community.

Funding

$500-$1,000

The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy issues grants to public agencies, nonprofits, special districts, cities and tribes for projects that support watershed health, strategic land conservation, vibrant recreation and tourism, resilient communities, and wildfire recovery. The projects that we fund throughout our service area are developed by our community partners with assistance of local CVMC staff. Our holistic approach yields projects that address local needs, align with our strategic plan, and address state priorities to reduce greenhouse gas emission, improve habitat, and protect water supply infrastructure.

Proposition 68

The objectives of the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for all Act of 2018 are to expand public access to safe parks, wildlife preserves, trails and recreation areas, mitigate the effects of climate change and encourage water conservation and drought preparedness.

Who We Are

The Creag Foundation is a private grant making foundation established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington.

The founders of the Creag Foundation believe that meaningful change can only be achieved through hard work, creativity and passion. They also understand the practical mechanisms that allow charitable organizations to succeed and grow. As a group, Creag Foundation principals are dedicated to helping today’s most innovative programs improve the human condition in a wide variety of ways.

Our Focus

The broad purpose of the Foundation is to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations who are innovators in the field of human services. Our particular focus is on smaller organizations that are starting out or established organizations that are looking for funding to take their organization in a new direction.

What We Fund

/ What We Fund

The Creag Foundation is focused on innovation in the industry. We will consider proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that are finding new ways to address societal issues facing the nonprofit community. Applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for one year before submitting. If your organization has held 501(c)(3) status for over a year, and your believe that your organization has a new approach to an existing social problem or is addressing a previously unaddressed social issue, you are welcome to contact us and request that we consider your organization for a funding opportunity.

Background

In 1992, Congress passed the Clean Vessel Act to help reduce pollution from vessel sewage discharges into U.S. waters. The Grant Program established by the Act will help fund the construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations to service pleasure craft. As part of its commitment to provide clean, safe, and enjoyable recreational boating in California, DBW is serving as the State Grant coordinator. DBW also provides boater education programs to promote public awareness about boat sewage and its proper disposal.

Who Is Eligible?

The Clean Vessel Act grant funds are available to both the public and private sector. This includes all local governmental entities and private businesses that own and operate boating facilities that are open to the general public.

What Does The Grant Cover?

The Grant will reimburse recipients for up to 75% of the installed cost of pumpout and dump stations. This includes the cost of new equipment, or the renovation of existing equipment, as well as necessary pumps, piping, lift stations, on-site holding tanks, pier or dock modifications, signs, permits and other miscellaneous equipment needed for a complete and efficient station.

What Are My Responsibilities Under This Program?

Your responsibilities under the grant program are:

• All recreational vessels must have access to the pumpout and dump stations funded under this grant program. The grant recipient shall guarantee that the facilities will be operated, maintained, and be accessible to all recreation vessels for the full period of their useful life.
• A sign depicting the national pumpout symbol shall be installed so as to be clearly visible to boaters.
• An informational sign shall be installed at pumpout and dump stations. The sign information should specify fees, restrictions, hours of operation, operating instructions, and a contact name and telephone number to call if the facility is inoperable.
  • The sign shall also acknowledge that the facility was constructed or improved with funds from the Sport Fish Restoration Program, through DBW.

Funding

This award is divided into two funding regions;

• Coastal and
• Inland.

For pumpouts there are a maximum of nine coastal awards ($202,500) and one inland award ($15,000). For Dump Stations there is one inland award ($30,000).

Background

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation seeks to dramatically improve the lives of underserved communities across the globe by supporting scalable, innovative, and impact-first solutions that leverage existing systems and stakeholders. Our goal is to find social entrepreneurs with dynamic products or services that have a proven ability to positively impact the lives of underserved people, and nurture those organizations at the early stages by providing capacity, capital, and community.

Our application process is designed to be open and accessible, and we accept applications year round from across our priority geographies and sectors. Borrowing from our venture capital legacy, we find exceptional entrepreneurs and provide them with: 

Capacity

• The core of DRK’s model is deep and extensive operational and technical support for each portfolio organization, both through dedicated hands-on Board service and specialist capacity-building resources for fundraising, board and organizational development, leadership, financial support, and scaling strategy,

Capital

• DRK provides up to $300,000 USD in either unrestricted grant funding or investment capital over a three-year period, and

Community

• DRK convenes our portfolio and alumni annually, facilitating connections and community. 

What We Fund

DRK Foundation funds early-stage social impact organizations solving the world’s biggest social and environmental problems using bold, scalable approaches.

What stage of growth does DRK Foundation typically fund?

Early stage: Organizations who are early stage, which we define as post-pilot and pre-scale. This typically means: 

• Your program, product or service is already being used in the market or in the field, 
• You have early indication that your model is having its intended impact on the beneficiary populations,
• Your organization is relatively young (ideally between two and five years old, although we will consider both younger and older organizations).

Venture funding: In the case of for profits, we typically support Seed to Series A organizations, and never lead rounds; we also generally but not exclusively refrain from participating in financings exceeding a $15M USD post-money valuation.  

About WCB

The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) was created by legislation in 1947 to administer a capital outlay program for wildlife conservation and related public recreation. Originally created within the California Department of Natural Resources, and later placed with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, WCB is a separate and independent Board with authority and funding to carry out an acquisition and development program for wildlife conservation (California Fish and Game Code 1300, et seq.). WCB's seven-member Board consists of the President of the Fish and Game Commission, the Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Director of the Department of Finance, and four public members, two appointed by the legislature and two by the Governor. Legislation that created WCB also established a Legislative Advisory Committee consisting of three members of the Senate and three members of the Assembly, which meet with WCB, providing legislative oversight.

The primary responsibilities of WCB are to select, authorize and allocate funds for the purchase of land and waters suitable for recreation purposes and the preservation, protection and restoration of wildlife habitat. WCB approves and funds projects that set aside lands within the State for such purposes, through acquisition or other means, to meet these objectives. WCB can also authorize the construction of facilities for recreational purposes on property in which it has a proprietary interest.

WCB's three main functions are land acquisition, habitat restoration and development of wildlife oriented public access facilities, which are carried out through its programs.

Lower American River Conservancy Program

The Lower American River Conservancy Program (Program) was created by Assembly Bill 1716 (PDF)(opens in new tab) and became effective January 1, 2017 (Public Resources Code, § 5845 et seq. (the “Enabling Statute”)). The Program was created to provide a state partner to work cooperatively with local agencies, particularly the County of Sacramento in its role as the manager of the American River Parkway (Parkway) and nonprofit organizations to help fund projects and provide grants to restore, enhance, interpret, protect, and improve public access to the Parkway’s natural, recreational, educational, and cultural resources.

The Enabling Statue also created the Lower American River Conservancy Program Advisory Committee (Committee) (Public Resources Code §5845.4) whose role is to review each eligible project and provide a recommendation for funding. The WCB’s voting members have final authority over project approval and funding. The Committee is mandated to convene at least twice each calendar year in Sacramento County and be open to the public.

Background

The Lower American River Conservancy Program Act was created by Assembly Bill 1716 which was signed into law in 2016 and became effective January 1, 2017 (Pub. Resources Code, § 5845 et seq. (the “Enabling Statute”)). The Program was created to provide a state partner to work cooperatively with local agencies, particularly the County of Sacramento in its role as the Parkway Manager, and nonprofit organizations to help fund projects and provide grants to restore, enhance, interpret, protect, and improve public access to the American River Parkway’s natural, recreational, educational, and cultural resources. The Legislature’s intent was for the Program to be a continuation of the state’s historic role in providing funding to advance the protection and restoration of the natural resources of the Lower American River while continuing the County of Sacramento’s historic role in managing the lands and public uses of the American River Parkway.

Access to nature contributes to our sense of community, connection to wild places, and desire to be stewards of the land. Conservation starts with individuals, families, and communities finding value in natural and wild lands.

The Public Access Program is one of the original Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) programs established in 1947. Initially the Public Access Program worked with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to support projects focused on the protection and development of public access areas and the promotion of hunting and fishing opportunities. Over time, the WCB's authority expanded to new partners, and today the Public Access Program provides planning and implementation funds to support wildlife-oriented recreation opportunities. Fundable activities and infrastructure include but are not limited to: multi-lingual interpretive signs, trails, ADA parking and restrooms, community outreach, and development of interpretive programs.

Priorities

Wildlife-oriented Recreation

The Public Access Program prioritizes projects providing public access for non-consumptive wildlife-related recreational activities. Projects should promote wildlife experiences and opportunities.

Hunting and Fishing Access

The Public Access Program prioritizes projects providing hunting and fishing access. Projects should enhance, improve, or construct facilities that provide hunting and fishing opportunities.

Outdoors for All

The Public Access Program prioritizes projects that further the goals of the California Natural Resource Agency's Outdoors for All Initiative by providing equitable access to parks and nature. Projects should enhance access for underserved communities and include meaningful collaboration with California Native American tribes.

About WCB

The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) was created by legislation in 1947 to administer a capital outlay program for wildlife conservation and related public recreation. Originally created within the California Department of Natural Resources, and later placed with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, WCB is a separate and independent Board with authority and funding to carry out an acquisition and development program for wildlife conservation (California Fish and Game Code 1300, et seq.). WCB's seven-member Board consists of the President of the Fish and Game Commission, the Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Director of the Department of Finance, and four public members, two appointed by the legislature and two by the Governor. Legislation that created WCB also established a Legislative Advisory Committee consisting of three members of the Senate and three members of the Assembly, which meet with WCB, providing legislative oversight.

The primary responsibilities of WCB are to select, authorize and allocate funds for the purchase of land and waters suitable for recreation purposes and the preservation, protection and restoration of wildlife habitat. WCB approves and funds projects that set aside lands within the State for such purposes, through acquisition or other means, to meet these objectives. WCB can also authorize the construction of facilities for recreational purposes on property in which it has a proprietary interest.

WCB's three main functions are land acquisition, habitat restoration and development of wildlife oriented public access facilities, which are carried out through its programs.

San Joaquin River Conservancy

The San Joaquin River Conservancy (SJRC) was established by the State Legislature in 1992 with the passage of the San Joaquin River Conservancy Act (Public Resources Code §32500 et seq). The purpose of the SJRC is to create the San Joaquin River Parkway (Parkway) to preserve and enhance the river’s extraordinary biological diversity, protect its valued cultural and natural resources, and provide educational and recreational opportunities for local communities and visitors. The Parkway is defined by state law as approximately 5,900 acres on both sides of a twenty-two-mile long reach of the river between Friant Dam to the east and State Route 99 to the west, in Fresno and Madera Counties (Public Resources Code Section 32510). WCB administers projects for the SJRC, including project review and approval, grant execution and management, real estate transactions, and project monitoring.

The Parkway today includes public lands and improvements owned by the SJRC, City of Fresno, County of Fresno, State Lands Commission, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Fresno County Office of Education, and those owned by the nonprofit San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust.

SJRC bond funds are appropriated and managed by the WCB through the San Joaquin River Conservancy Program (Program) grants. Land acquisition and improvement projects require approval by both the SJRC Board and WCB. The WCB, represented by its Executive Director, holds a position on the 15-member SJRC Board. The Board reviews and approves projects to ensure they are viable and consistent with the goals of the current SJRC Parkway Master Plan Update (2018), prior to consideration by the WCB.

Grant Funding Priorities

We aspire to a future where all  rural families provide childcare with a nurturing, safe, and stable foundation for life. A child’s early years are the most critical time for setting a positive trajectory for life. Research shows that trusted relationships with caring adults make all the difference. We want to help families access the supports they need.

What we prioritize:

• Parent and caregiver supports build nurturing and healthy attachments that allow children to thrive. Our communities have identified a need for programs that better match the demographics of families and the emotional needs of children. We prioritize home visiting, parenting education, early childhood mental health and other community supports for parents and caregivers.
• Family financial stability helps parents access programs that exist to assist low-income families, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. We also offer educational scholarships for parents.
• Child abuse prevention protects children and improves outcomes for future generations. We fund and partner with local organizations and regional and statewide networks to prevent abuse and neglect, build awareness and strengthen systems that bring stability and safety to the most vulnerable among us.Grants aligned with our Education impact area aim to ensure that rural children have the supports and opportunities they need to succeed in their education. Our emphasis is on early childhood education, helping children start strong in their early grades, and preparing students for the transition from high school to postsecondary education or a career.

We envision a future in which all rural young people experience educational success. Education has always been at the top of The Ford Family Foundation’s priorities. We invest in high-quality, affordable early childhood education all the way to our scholarship programs, which have helped thousands of aspiring college students achieve their dreams.

Our emphasis is on ensuring that children and their families benefit from targeted support across two key transitions — from the early years to the schoolroom, and from K-12 to educational and career opportunities after high school.

What we prioritize: 

• Early childhood education allows children to develop the habits, skills and healthy brains that will help them succeed academically as they enter their K-12 school pathway.
• P-3 alignment helps children and families transition from early childhood education settings to more structured classrooms. This ensures children can read independently, problem solve and manage their social-emotional needs.
• Supports and pathways build K-12 students’ knowledge, skills and awareness to plan for life after high school and to improve their long-term economic opportunities.
• Postsecondary completion for students, especially those who are the first in their families to attend and complete college, improves economic and social outcomes for them and their families.

We commit to a future where rural communities are vibrant places that provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.  The Ford Family Foundation is a community building organization. We support rural residents as they work together to develop a shared vision for their community’s future and implement plans that enable them to attract and retain a diverse population, especially working-age families.

What we prioritize:

• Community building catalyzes efforts by rural residents to address needs and improve their communities. Community building fosters leadership, relationships, capacity and collective action to create well-being for all, especially children and families. From scholarship alumni to business leaders, community builders are everywhere. Learn more about the rural Community Building Approach.
• Community economic development builds a vibrant rural economy, improves the economic well-being of families and makes the community a place where people choose to live. Rural business retention and expansion is at the heart of our work in this area.
• Organizational capacity building across the region supports a range of stable and effective organizations that contribute to more resilient rural communities. Nonprofits are the backbone of providing essential services to rural families.

Good Neighbor grants

They’re called Good Neighbor grants for a reason. Good neighbors help each other, learn from each other and lift each other up.

Good Neighbor grants are designed to support the initiatives that matter in your community in a way that works for your organization, including unforeseen emergencies that interrupt programming or services. We fund both program and capital requests.

For Good Neighbor Grants, applicants should note the following:

• 25% committed before applying (in-kind can play a role but strongest requests have other funding at the table)
• Can request up to 1/3 for programs/operations and up to 50% for capital
• Clearly need to see the community at the table where services will be provided
• We also look for a clear plan in place for sustainability
• You will typically hear back from us in six to 10 weeks

Grant amount: Up to $25,000

Grant examples

• Emergency repairs to essential equipment at a food bank, library, fire hall or other community service provider
• Updates to facilities at a beloved community gathering place, including ADA accessibility and technology
• Community events such as celebrations, clean-ups or summer festivals (Events and celebrations must be free to the public and multi-day or annual, such as a music or art series.)
• New or special programs for the children and families in your communities
• Studies or research on a community need
• Playgrounds or recreational facilities
• Translation of materials or outreach to special populations
• Basic needs for vulnerable children and families
• Feasibility studies for economic development projects (e.g., business incubator, makerspace, commercial kitchen)

Background

The BHC’s mission is to acquire open space, manage public lands within the Baldwin Hills area, and to provide recreation, restoration and protection of wildlife habitat within the territory for the public's enjoyment and educational experience.

The voters of California passed the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002 (Proposition 40) in March 2002. The State Legislature has appropriated funds to the BHC for capital outlay and local assistance projects within the territory. Funds are to be awarded for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, restoration, interpretation and protection of land and creation of educational resources consistent with the statute creating the BHC.

Projects funded under this grant program will be implemented through the execution of a standard grant agreement between the project applicant and the BHC. BHC staff will be responsible for oversight of the Proposition 40 grant and project implementation. 

Project Objectives

The purpose of the BHC Prop 40 grant program is to provide funds for planning and capital improvement projects that benefit the Ballona Creek Watershed and Baldwin Hills Conservancy territory through either:

• Acquisition of open space;
• Development of park land;
• Rehabilitation of park facilities;
• Restoration of habitat; or
• Protection of land and water resources. 

Eligible projects must be consistent with the adopted Baldwin Hills Park Master Plan for expansion of Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area and the priorities set forth in the Baldwin Hills Conservancy’s Summarized Strategic Plan. Proposed projects should seek to implement or expand on one or more of the following goals:

• Increase active recreation opportunities for underserved communities.
• Create and implement a comprehensive trail system.
• Provide for public access and entry ways.
• Protect and restore natural habitat.
• Protect critical view sheds.
• Protect and improve urban water quality.
• Emphasize connection between existing parks, trails, and urban streams.
• Restore industrial lands to park and open-space purposes.
• Protect watersheds connecting to Santa Monica Bay.

Proposals are also subject to review for consistency with General Obligation Bond Law. Grant applicants are strongly encouraged to contact BHC staff to ensure projects meet eligibility requirements and conform to BHC priorities prior to application submittal. All projects funded under this grant program must primarily benefit the Ballona Creek Watershed within the Baldwin Hills Conservancy Territory. All grants are funded through scheduled reimbursement payments. All grants are funded on a reimbursement payment basis. 

Gupta Family Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, USA. Our mission is to support organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. We take a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters.

The foundation evaluates and awards annual and multi-year grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000 (USD). Our focus is on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions. 

Our selection criteria include:

• Mission alignment
• The organization is run by the founder or, if not, by a successor who embodies the original inspiration, passion and commitment of the founder.
• At least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.
• The organization is non-sectarian, i.e.,
  • It does not, directly or indirectly, support or condone the proselytization of any religion,
  • It is not supported by or affiliated to a religious organization.

Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation

Established in 1995, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) is the official team charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Harnessing the power of the Dodger brand and a passionate fan base, LADF works to significantly impact underserved youth in some of the most challenged neighborhoods of Los Angeles. LADF leverages key partnerships to administer direct programs serving youth and communities at large and provides grants to local nonprofit organizations. LADF uses three pillars to guide its work: Sports + Recreation, Education + Literacy and Health + Wellness.

Annual Grant Program

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation's annual grants program disseminates funds three times a year to organizations who fall within its three pillars. In addition to grants, LADF activates with grantees, co-hosts grantee events, digitally showcases the work of grantees and conducts "Giving Moments" in stadium to further highlight grantees work to millions of fans.

LADF Pillars

Education

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) knows that quality education is the best indicator of future financial and social success. We use our platform to get kids excited about reading. We created a first of its kind curriculum to keep students engaged about science and math just as they hit the age where their interests and test scores tend to decline. We provide opportunities for young adults to see themselves on a solid path, whether it's college or a clear vocation.

Healthcare

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) knows that health disparities exist along racial, class and gender lines. We invest and partner with organizations that identify these disparities and provide services that support interventions for our most vulnerable populations.

Homelessness

In Los Angeles County, for every 130 people we house, an additional 150 become homeless, further highlighting that this crisis is fueled by a broken economy. The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) seeks to prevent homelessness from happening in the first place by providing services and resources that keep families intact and roofs over their heads. We distribute basic needs to LA’s homeless and food insecure; directly serve young people and their families living in housing facilities through sport programming and green space; and have granted nearly $100,000 to partners on the front lines.

Youth Development

62% of youth living in poverty have experienced at least one traumatic event. Through social and emotional learning the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) provides youth with the tools they need to be better equipped in the classroom, on the field, and for whatever endeavor their future holds for them. We place a special emphasis on engaging girls in sport, because we know that by adolescence, girls' confidence drops about twice as much as boys', their perception of their academic ability declines, and participation in physical activity plummets.

Corporate Contributions

Community involvement and corporate citizenship are an example of Insperity’s mission in action. We are committed to helping the communities where we live and work because together, we know we can make great things happen.

Grants

Philanthropic grants are a strong part of our community outreach and aid institutions needing financial support to meet important service goals.

Event Sponsorship

Fundraising events are an important part of nonprofit support. Insperity provides event sponsorships to approved charities to assist them in meeting their financial and community goals.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, human services and other causes.

The Lawrence Foundation was established in mid-2000. We make both program and operating grants and do not have any geographical restrictions on our grants. Nonprofit organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other similar organizations are eligible for grants from The Lawrence Foundation.  

Grant Amount and Types

Grants typically range between $5,000 - $10,000. In some limited cases we may make larger grants, but that is typically after we have gotten to know your organization over a period of time. We also generally don’t make multi-year grants, although we may fund the same organization on a year by year basis over a period of years.

General operating or program/project grant requests within our areas of interests are accepted. In general, regardless of whether a grant request is for general operating or program/project expenses, all of our grants will be issued as unrestricted grants.

A growing number of healthcare providers, researchers, and community advocates recognize the importance of not only treating illness but also promoting mental and behavioral well-being through non-clinical experiences in the arts, culture, and nature. Prebys Foundation aims to improve behavioral health and well-being through access to arts, culture, and nature.

Recent data supports outdoors as medicine: 

• People living near parks and “green spaces” have less mental distress.
• There is compelling evidence that time spent in nature can improve the attention capacity of people with attention deficit (and related) disorders. 
• Being outdoors (local beaches and parks, and other natural and recreational areas) can also make us happier and healthier.  

And this data shows arts are a pathway to: 

• Decrease social isolation, forge new friendships, cultivate a sense of belonging and group cohesion, and improve social networks.
• Reduce stress and anxiety by forming a healthy distraction from everyday worries.  
• Boost self-awareness, self-esteem, and a sense of satisfaction. 
• Improvements in quality of life.

The San Diego region is home to a vibrant arts and culture community and great outdoors that offer an abundance of opportunities for healing, inspiration, rejuvenation, and social connection. Taking advantage of these assets, Prebys Foundation launched Prebys Sparx on August 22, 2024. This challenge invites bold ideas and innovative opportunities that employ arts, culture, and/or nature to address growing mental health disparities and promote behavioral well-being among youth ages 0-25 in the San Diego region. Up to four honorable mentions will each receive $25,000 and one grand prize winner will receive $1 million.

Ameriprise Financial Grantmaking

At Ameriprise Financial, giving back is deeply rooted in our culture. We’ve initiated positive change in the communities where we live and work for more than 120 years. We believe our community involvement enables us to actively live our values. Through grant making, volunteerism and employee and financial advisor gift matching programs, we support a diverse group of over 6,000 nonprofits across the country.

Focus Areas

Awarding grant dollars to nonprofits is one way we strengthen our communities and help individuals on a path to financial independence. To ensure we're meeting the needs of our communities and making an even greater collective impact, we focus on three key giving areas when awarding grants.

Volunteer engagement is a priority across all focus areas:

The engagement of Ameriprise employees and financial advisors is a critical component of our philanthropy. Whether it’s serving on a nonprofit board, engaging friends, clients and community members in volunteering or providing skills-based support, our relationships with nonprofits go deep. For this reason, we give priority across all focus areas to applications where there is active volunteer engagement of Ameriprise advisors and employees. 

Meeting Basic Needs

At Ameriprise Financial, we help clients achieve financial security and peace of mind. That’s satisfying, meaningful work. We also help the people in our neighborhoods who struggle to meet basic needs such as where their next meal comes from, where they’ll sleep tonight or how they’ll find a higher wage job. We’re here to help them through the three platforms of our Meeting Basic Needs focus area.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Hunger
• Food banks, food shelves and food pantries, daily meal programs or meal services for the homebound
• Hunger-relief programs targeted to meet the special needs of children, ethnic populations or veterans
• Food programs run by nonprofits where hunger is not their sole focus, for example a youth meal program at the YWCA or a backpack program run by a Boys & Girls Club
• Shelter
• Emergency shelter, including youth homelessness
• Transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and efforts to end chronic homelessness
• Housing-first models (programs quickly providing housing and then addressing needed services)
• Achieving and maintaining home ownership, repair and maintenance efforts helping keep seniors, veterans and other populations in their homes 
• Adult Self-Sufficiency: Programs serving adults age 21 and older that help address the following areas:
• Basic hard and soft skills that help adults achieve economic and family stability
• Basic financial and budgeting skills
• Increase employability and wages, including work readiness and job transitions
• Employment of disabled adults

Supporting Community Vitality

We believe communities should be strong, healthy and resilient. We want livable places for all, where neighbors look out for one another, cultural events are well-attended and people pull together in times of crisis and joy. We work to create economic vitality and cultural enrichment through the following areas of focus.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Community Development
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Economic development
• Strengthening and supporting small businesses and nonprofits through technical expertise
• Cultural Enrichment
• Arts education
• Access for underserved populations
• Diverse artists and performances that spark topical community conversations 

Volunteer Driven Causes: Ameriprise employees and financial advisors are outstanding volunteers who serve in teams and also as individuals bringing personal skill-sets to nonprofits. Volunteering is part of the culture at Ameriprise and we are proud to support communities through contributions of both service and financial resources. 

Funding for Volunteer-Driven Causes is determined by current Ameriprise volunteerism. In general, funding is in proportion to the size of the Ameriprise volunteer team supporting a nonprofit. A team may include employees, financial advisors and/or staff or a combination of any Ameriprise volunteers. 

Background

The California State Coastal Conservancy (Conservancy) announces the availability of grants to public agencies, federally-recognized tribes and indigenous communities, and nonprofit organizations for programs that facilitate and enhance the public's opportunities to explore California's spectacular coast and San Francisco Bay shoreline. The ocean, coast, and beaches have long been recognized and used as spaces of joy, relaxation, and healing for many Californians. The ability to experience the coast without fear of physical barriers, feelings of not belonging, or financial challenge is crucial to how individuals cultivate their lifelong connections with the coast. The Explore the Coast grant program seeks to provide enjoyable coastal experiences for people and communities who face challenges or barriers to accessing or enjoying the coast ("ETC Priority Communities").

ETC Priority Communities may include but are not limited to lower-income individuals and households, people with disabilities, people of color, indigenous communities, immigrant communities, foster youth, and other historically excluded communities who face societal challenges or barriers to accessing or enjoying the coast. You can use this mapping tool or other resources you know of to help determine if you are serving low-income communities (please note the tool linked will refer to these as a “disadvantaged” or “severely disadvantaged community”).

Projects should also meet one or more of the following priorities:

• Provide an enjoyable experience at the coast.
• Reduce economic, physical, operational, or societal barriers to accessing or enjoying the coast.
• Inspire ongoing coastal resource stewardship ethic through active learning and interactive activities.

Eligible Projects

Eligible projects include a wide range of programs and activities that help to bring people to the coast and/or enhance their experience at the coast. Other benefits such as ecosystem stewardship and environmental education are secondary benefits and are not necessary for a project to be eligible.

Examples of eligible projects:

• Providing transportation for ETC priority community members to participate in recreational, educational, or stewardship programs at the coast.
• Providing coastal experiences such as kayaking, surfing, or sailing for persons with disabilities.
• Providing beach recreation day trips for participants and their families.
• Facilitating festivals, docent programs, or other outreach events to promote and increase coastal recreational opportunities for ETC priority community members. Applicants should have a clear plan for engaging ETC priority community members in large-scale festivals open to the public.
• Providing overnight coastal experiences for participants.
• Promoting the use of public transit to access the coast.

Mission

Our mission is to protect the natural and cultural resources of the Coachella Valley: the scenic, wildlife, cultural, geologic, and recreational resources that make this such a splendid place for people and all the other life forms with which we share this special place.

The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy is a state agency established in 1991 to pursue this mission, and is directed by a 20-member governing board. The Conservancy is an exceptional example of local communities, state elected officials, non-profit organizations, and business and environmental interests working together for the good of all. Since its inception, the Conservancy and its partners have conserved over 106,000 acres.

Proposition 1

The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (the “Conservancy”) is pleased to announce its latest Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) under its Proposition 1 Grant Program. CVMC is now accepting applications for Projects implementing the California Water Action Plan in the Coachella Valley.

The Impact100 Model

The Impact100 model is readily available to all communities who wish to implement it. The model is designed to empower women to see themselves as philanthropists and overcome the barriers women have historically faced in this arena. The model is designed for transformational grant making within local communities, with a minimum grant size of $100,000.

Focus Areas

All nonprofits are asked to apply under one of five focus areas:

• Arts & Culture
  • Cultural programs, participation in the arts, arts education
• Education
  • Educational opportunities for children and/or adults, especially those that address lingering educational disparities affecting our community
• Environment
  • Conservation and preservation of natural resources; environmental justice; parks and recreation; agricultural sustainability; environmental education; climate action, also includes non-domesticated animals.
• Family
  • Strengthening and enhancing the lives of children and families, seniors, also includes domesticated animals.
• Health & Wellness
  • Improvement of people’s mental and/or physical well-being

Liberated Paths Grantmaking Program

Building a More Just and Sustainable Outdoor and Environmental Movement Together

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-led organizations are on the frontlines of the grassroots work being done to build a better planet but our work is chronically overlooked and underfunded. We know that when our voices are left out, our communities suffer, and our planet does too. With the Liberated Paths Program, we envision a way to bridge that gap.

Through this program, we are working to create a more just and sustainable outdoor and environmental movement by shifting resources to and building power with Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color. The Liberated Paths Program supports outdoor initiatives and organizations that cultivate and celebrate the contributions of Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color and affirm the many experiences and identities our communities hold, through grantmaking, capacity building, and network building.

Through our Liberated Paths regional grants, we support organizations and initiatives of all sizes located in California, the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington), the Southwest (Arizona and New Mexico), and the Delaware River Watershed that work at the intersection of racial justice, outdoor experiences, and the environment. In 2023, we will also launch grantmaking in North and South Carolina. Our Liberated Paths: Youth Access to Nature Fund supports efforts in the San Francisco Bay Area that increase safe and equitable access to the outdoors for Young People of Color.

We work with leaders and organizations who are rooted within their communities with the lived experiences to understand how to best advance justice and center the needs of the community. We support Leaders of Color to design and lead the types of joyful outdoor experiences and environmental efforts that are most meaningful to them and their communities. 

Liberated Paths support looks like:

• Relationship-driven and trust-based support
• Multi-year grants of $1,000 to $20,000 per year when possible
• Long-term, deep engagement in financial, operational, and fundraising capacity building
• Network building with a cohort of grantees to facilitate shared learning and systems-level changes
• Eligibility that is not hinged on organization size, ability to do impact reporting, or 501(c)(3) status
• Support for organizations and initiatives of all sizes and in all stages of their development
• Prioritized funding for organizations and initiatives led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
• Capacity building trainings and workshops for grantee partners

Capacity Building

Our model offers financial grants, as well as consistent coaching and mentorship. We want to connect our grantee partners with the tools and resources they need to sustain their vital work. To that end, in addition to trainings and workshops for all grantee partners, we work with each partner to identify areas where they want to grow and tailor our support to their needs. These areas could include: board recruitment, financial sustainability, staffing and hiring considerations, executive leadership coaching, budget planning, program design, insurance and liability considerations, safety, guidance on applications for additional grants, and more.

Network Building

Through Liberated Paths, we seek to bring together organizations and leaders working at the intersection of environment and racial justice. We do this through virtual get-togethers and information sessions. We facilitate network building within each cohort of grantees to facilitate shared learning and systems-level changes.

We also bring together funders and partners through a webinar series to connect, share information about the Liberated Paths Grantmaking Program and to also hold critical conversations regarding topics such as the explicit role of race in Liberated Paths, the racial funding gap, and racial bias and its impact in philanthropy.

Anderson Children's Foundation

Irene W. Anderson, who cared deeply for children yet had none of her own, established this foundation in 1970 in memory of her husband Guy L. Anderson. The purpose of the Anderson Children’s Foundation is to provide for unmet needs of children of every race, culture, and creed. Our goal is to nurture and inspire young people in areas including health, education, recreation, and the arts. We welcome your involvement in caring for children by applying for funding of worthy nonprofit programs.

Active Transportation Program

The Active Transportation Program (ATP) was created by Senate Bill 99 (Chapter 359, Statutes of 2013) and Assembly Bill 101 (Chapter 354, Statutes of 2013) to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation. Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) (Chapter 2031, statutes of 2017) stipulates that $100,000,000 of revenues from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account will be available annually to the ATP. The ATP consolidates existing federal and state transportation programs, including the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Bicycle Transportation Account (BTA), and State Safe Routes to School (SR2S), into a single program with a focus to make California a national leader in active transportation.

Goals

Pursuant to statute, the purpose of the program is to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as biking and walking. The goals of the ATP are to:

• Increase the proportion of trips accomplished by biking and walking.
• Increase the safety and mobility for non-motorized users.
• Advance the active transportation efforts of regional agencies to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals as established pursuant to Senate Bill 375 (Chapter 728, Statutes of 2008) and Senate Bill 391 (Chapter 585, Statutes of 2009).
• Enhance public health, including reduction of childhood obesity through the use of programs including, but not limited to, projects eligible for Safe Routes to School Program funding.
• Ensure that disadvantaged communities fully share in the benefits of the program.
• Provide a broad spectrum of projects to benefit many types of active transportation users.

Pacific Power Foundation

The Pacific Power Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Pacific Power. Its mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of local communities.

Together with our foundation and employees, we've given $13 million to local communities since 2019 to lend a helping hand and spur economic development.

Grant Focus

The foundation manages its grants in four cycles. This helps the foundation carefully review similar requests to ensure maximum benefit.

Community Enhancement

Affordable housing, community resilience, community and recreation centers, economic development, libraries, monuments, memorials and science centers.

Environmental Respect

Animal and wildlife biodiversity; carbon and methane emissions; conservation of natural resources; environmental management systems; parks, trails and gardens; resource stewardship; waste management reduction, and water usage management.

Our Mission

Our mission is to uplift and sustain the lifeways and economies of Native communities through advocacy, financial support, and knowledge sharing.

We envision a world in which Tribal Sovereignty is upheld, and Native ingenuity and knowledge are honored and respected.

Grant Overview

First Nations believes that Native youth represent the future of Native communities and that investing in youth and giving them a sense of place and tradition in the community ensures a future of bright and capable leaders. We seek programs that meet youth where they are, support them in accomplishing their goals and dreams as future leaders, and shape pathways that prepare them for an empowered adulthood guided by their cultures and families.

In 2002, First Nations launched the Native Youth and Culture Fund (NYCF) to support tribes and Native American-led organizations that work with Native youth through programs that provide learning, leadership building, and intergenerational mentoring.

In 2024, through this Fund, two-year grants ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 will be awarded to Native youth programs and projects that focus on increasing youth leadership and providing opportunities for intergenerational transfer of knowledge.

• 10 to 12 grants of up to $60,000 will be awarded to structured day and/or overnight camp programs that focus on recreational, cultural, educational, language, Native youth leadership and intergenerational mentoring activities. (If you are applying as a camp program you must indicate this within the application.)
• 4 to 8 grants of up to $60,000 will be awarded to programs supporting Native youth by California-based tribes or California tribally controlled non-profit organizations. These grants are made possible through our California Tribal Fund (CTF). The CTF was created to support California-based, California-Native-led nonprofits and tribal programs in controlling and protecting their food systems, water, languages, traditional ecological knowledge, and land.
• 10 to 12 grants of up to $60,000 will be awarded to programs supporting Native youth that demonstrate alignment with one or more of the program priorities (see below).

Native Youth and Culture Fund Priorities

All proposals must demonstrate their project or program will carry out one or more of the following:

• Provide structured day or overnight camp activities. Camps are defined as structured day or overnight programs that focus on recreational, cultural, educational, youth leadership, and intergenerational mentoring activities.
• Focus on preserving, strengthening, or renewing cultural and/or spiritual practices, beliefs, and values of Native youth.
• Engage youth and elders in activities that demonstrate methods for documenting traditional knowledge systems, practices, and/or beliefs.
• Increase youth leadership and their capacity to lead through intergenerational educational or mentoring programs.
• Increase youth access to and sharing of cultural customs and beliefs and traditional Native art forms using appropriate technologies (traditional and/or modern), as a means of reviving or preserving tribal language, arts, history, or other culturally relevant topics.

The Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of Grants and Local Services is to address California's diverse recreational, cultural and historical resource needs by developing GRANT programs, administering funds, offering technical assistance, building partnerships and providing leadership through quality customer service.

OGALS Vision Goals

• Proactive in meeting California's park and recreation needs through innovative grant programs and a commitment to quality customer service.
• Sensitive to local concerns while mindful of prevailing laws, rules, and regulations.
• Responsive to the needs of applicants, grantees, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and legislative members, who are our partners working to improve the quality of life for all Californians by creating new parks and recreation opportunities. 

LWCF Legacy

On February 14, 1963, President Kennedy’s Administration proposed legislation to establish a "Land and Water Conservation Fund" to assist states in planning, ACQUISITION, and DEVELOPMENT of recreation lands. With bipartisan support, President Johnson signed it into law on September 3, 1964, as Public Law 88- 578, 16 U.S.C.460l-4.

NPS administers the LWCF program at the federal level. Previously, the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation administered the LWCF program from 1964 to 1978 and the Heritage Conservation & Recreation Service administered it from 1978 to 1981. Funds allocated to California are administered by the DEPARTMENT under the provisions of the California Outdoor Recreation Resources Plan Act of 1967, (Public Resources Code §5099 et seq.). Outer Continental Shelf mineral receipts, sales of federal surplus real property, federal recreation fees, and federal motorboat fuel taxes all serve as funding sources for the LWCF. On August 4, 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) was signed into law, authorizing $900 million nationwide annually in permanent funding for LWCF.

When an LWCF PROJECT is completed, the land within the approved LWCF BOUNDARY MAP is placed under federal protection, preserving the public’s outdoor recreational use of the site in PERPETUITY for the benefit of our nation’s future generations.

This PARK protection legacy is based on the provision of 54 U.S.C. §200305(f)(3) of the LWCF Act. Thousands of PARKS throughout California will remain as perpetual monuments to the foresight of President Kennedy’s Administration and the American people.