Best Youth Sports Grants in California

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.

Wendy Rankin Memorial Scholarship Fund

Be current high school seniors or current college students who plan to enroll at an accredited community college, four-year college, graduate school, or licensed career/technical school in California.

The California Drought Funding Grants, provided by the California State Water Resources Control Board, aim to support projects addressing urgent drinking water needs and long-term resilience due to drought. Eligible applicants include public agencies, tribal governments, community water systems, and non-profits serving disadvantaged communities. Funding covers both short-term solutions like emergency repairs and long-term improvements such as new wells and treatment systems, ensuring a sustainable water supply for affected regions.

The Michelson Spark Grants aim to fund innovative projects that promote digital equity in California, addressing critical issues like digital discrimination, access in Tribal communities, and the intersection of digital equity with health and education. Grants of up to $25,000 will support initiatives that enhance broadband access and foster systemic change. Organizations are encouraged to collaborate and seek additional funding to maximize impact, focusing on meaningful milestones that drive progress in underserved areas.

The Boating Access Grant Program, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, aims to enhance recreational boating access across California's waterways. This program funds various projects, including the construction of access facilities, amenities for boaters, and educational outreach. Grants cover up to 75% of project costs, requiring at least 25% funding from non-Federal sources. Eligible projects include ADA-compliant facilities, launching areas for non-motorized boats, and maintenance of existing boating access.

The Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) supports California State Universities and Community Colleges to foster mentorship and training for students in tobacco-related research. This initiative, funded by tobacco tax revenues, aims to engage undergraduates and master's students, particularly from priority populations, in meaningful research and local tobacco control activities. With a maximum award of $1,150,000 over four years, this program seeks to eliminate commercial tobacco use and improve public health across California.

Funding Opportunity: Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Prevention and Education

The California Department of Health Care Services, in partnership with The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, is announcing a new funding opportunity, Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Prevention and Education. This opportunity offers a 12-month contract for up to $200,000.00. Contracts will run from September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027.

Funding is available for organizations to implement programs addressing opioid use, stimulant use, and polysubstance use in California. Activities should support awareness, prevention, outreach and education, work to decrease community stigma, and strengthen referral pathways to treatment and medications for opioid use disorder. Activities must be inclusive to all who seek services. Please note that the opportunity will not fund direct treatment activities or recovery support services.

The Sprouting School Gardens Grant, provided by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, supports school-based gardening and cooking programs to foster healthy eating habits in children. Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 help cover program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Eligible applicants include schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas served by Sprouts Farmers Market, promoting meaningful connections between local teams and school gardening initiatives.

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is offering a funding opportunity through EDUC 1.12 to manage the Annual Trainee Network Conference. This initiative aims to support CIRM's Research Training programs by selecting a qualified applicant to develop and oversee the conference scheduled between May and August 2026. This effort aligns with CIRM's mission to promote equitable regenerative medicine advancements and enhance education and training across diverse communities.

The San Diego Foundation

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

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Evotek Giving Foundation Technology Scholarship

The Evotek Giving Foundation Technology Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Plan to enroll full-time at a College or University in California, Arizona, or Colorado
• Plan to major in finance (San Diego only) or computer science or information technology
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Open to all applicants, with a focus on advancing gender equity in careers in technology
• If selected as a recipient of the Evotek 2026 Technology Scholarship, recipients will be invited to meet monthly with a mentor and, as needed, attend foundation/press events and speak to their experiences as technology majors.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in California provides essential funding for rural areas to enhance clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, waste management, and storm drainage. Eligible applicants, including local governments and nonprofits, can use the funds for construction, improvements, and related activities like legal fees and land acquisition. This program aims to ensure access to reliable water services and promote public health in underserved communities.

The Charter School Facilities Credit Enhancement Grant Program in California aims to lower financing costs for charter schools by providing grants for debt service reserve accounts on bond transactions. This federally-funded initiative helps reduce borrowing costs, allowing schools to access funds for facility acquisition, renovation, or construction. With a maximum award limit of $2,000,000 per financing, this program is designed to support the financial stability of charter schools across the state.

The California STEP Grant provides essential financial support for small businesses in California looking to expand internationally through various programs. Eligible businesses can participate in up to two STEP events annually and apply for Export Vouchers, which cover 75% of pre-approved expenses, with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000. This initiative aims to enhance the state's export activities and promote economic growth by increasing the number of qualified small business exporters.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Jack Handford Summer Internship

The Western Region actively supports student members who show promise as new professionals and encourages institutions and students to apply for the Jack Handford Summer Internship offered every other year, i.e. 2026 and 2028. The internship is appropriate for students with majors such as costume studies, material culture, museum studies, fashion history, or similar. The internship is intended to average duration of six weeks or a total of 120 hours. The grant may change depending on the budget; the 2024 winner received $3,000.

Student applicants must be current CSA Western Region members to apply. Check the forms: Institution Application and Student Application. All forms and other materials stated in the form should be submitted to Naomi Arnst, CSA-Western Region, Student Awards and Summer Internship Chair.

The CEFA: Standard Bond Financing Grant Program offers affordable, tax-exempt bonds to nonprofit higher education institutions in California. This initiative allows eligible borrowers to finance construction, acquisition, and refinancing projects to enhance their facilities. CEFA's expertise in various financing structures ensures innovative solutions for educational institutions, supporting their mission to serve students effectively. With a strong emphasis on regional accreditation and operational history, this program aims to empower educational entities in improving their infrastructure and resources.

The Project Acceleration Notes and Credit Enhancement Alternatives (PANACEA) Program, funded by an $8 million federal grant, aims to enhance financing for charter schools in California. This program supports the construction, purchase, and renovation of school facilities by providing credit enhancements. Additionally, it helps schools awaiting long-term debt issuance through the Authority’s Conduit Bond and Note Financing Program. The PANACEA Program is crucial for improving educational infrastructure and fostering student success in underprivileged areas.

The Bolton Foundation is transitioning to the IMA Foundation grant program, enhancing collaboration and increasing funding potential for California-based nonprofits. Focus areas include community development, education, youth services, and multiculturalism, with grants up to $10,000 available. Applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations located in California and demonstrate benefit to the community. This strategic shift promises to strengthen local initiatives and support impactful projects.

The Recycling Market Development Zone Revolving Loan Program, managed by CalRecycle, supports California's recycling manufacturers by providing financing for machinery, equipment, and associated costs. This initiative promotes the use of waste materials to create recycled products, aiding local governments in meeting landfill diversion goals and contributing to the Circular Economy. By fostering sustainable practices, the program enhances the recycling sector and encourages economic development within the state.

The CHFFA: Tax-Exempt Equipment Financing Program provides California health facilities with access to tax-exempt, fixed-rate financing for equipment purchases exceeding $500,000. This initiative, managed by the California Health Facilities Financing Authority, enables applicants to finance essential medical and diagnostic equipment, computers, and telecommunications tools. The program is designed to ease the financial burden on public and nonprofit hospitals by offering competitive loan terms, ensuring that loan maturity aligns with the equipment's useful life, and facilitating minor installation costs.

Zoo Labs Fund, established in 2013, empowers Bay Area artist teams through unrestricted grants and mentorship. With over $910,000 awarded, the program supports culturally-rooted artists facing access challenges. In 2025, the Fund will provide $230,000 in grants, partnering with the Center for Cultural Innovation to enhance economic opportunities and foster a sustainable creative ecosystem. By prioritizing artist-led businesses, Zoo Labs Fund aims to enrich the local economy and preserve cultural expression through innovative support.

The Carbon Removal Innovation Support Program (GFO-22-901) aims to fund innovative projects that utilize advanced technologies for the direct capture of atmospheric carbon. This initiative, created under Assembly Bill 209, offers cost-sharing for eligible applicants including those receiving federal awards or follow-on funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. The program prioritizes technology research, development, and demonstration projects that do not benefit fossil fuel production.

The Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program, administered by CalRecycle, supports innovative recycling initiatives in California. This program aims to provide funding for start-up costs associated with recycling centers, mobile recycling, reverse vending machines, and bag drop programs. It encourages applicants to adopt Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Practices (EPPP) Policies to enhance recycling outreach and improve California Refund Value (CRV) redemption opportunities.

The Charter School Facility Grant Program (SB740) aims to provide financial assistance for charter school facilities, specifically targeting schools that enroll a significant percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This program, now managed by the California School Finance Authority, offers annual grants to help offset facility costs. Funding availability is announced annually on the CSFA website, ensuring support for schools in need of financial aid for their operational expenses.

The County-wide and Regional Funding Program by the California State Water Board aims to support counties and eligible partners in addressing drought and contamination issues for disadvantaged communities. Funding is available through the SAFER Program to implement regional programs targeting state small water systems and domestic wells. Eligible recipients include counties and NGOs, with projects focusing on assessments, domestic well testing, and interim solutions like bottled water. The program is vital for enhancing water resilience in underserved areas.

Creating Health Access for Next Generation Equity (CHANGE) Grant Program

Launched in 2023, the AstraZeneca Foundation’s signature Creating Health Access for Next Generation Equity (CHANGE) program works to improve access to quality healthcare.

Beginning April 1, 2026, the AstraZeneca Foundation will accept grant requests of $200,000 - $220,000 for review and consideration for its next cohort of CHANGE grant awardees. Organizations receiving funding in 2026 may be considered for renewed funding on an annual basis for two additional years, contingent upon meeting objectives, funding availability and approval by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

The intent of the grants is to provide general operating support for organizations working in innovative, collaborative ways at the community level to help improve access to quality healthcare in their community during the grant year and beyond. Our aim is for funded organizations to maximize the benefit to community members and community-based organizations and to work toward continuing their services beyond potential AstraZeneca Foundation funding.

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

The Charter School Facilities Credit Enhancement Grant Program, managed by the California State Treasurer's Office, aims to support charter schools in California by providing grants that fund debt service reserve accounts. This initiative is designed to lower borrowing costs for charter schools, thereby facilitating the acquisition, renovation, or construction of school facilities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a strong financial position and utilize funds within six months of approval to ensure effective resource allocation.

The SAFER program aims to provide safe and affordable drinking water to over one million Californians currently without access. Established by Senate Bill 200 (SB200) in 2019, it allocates $130 million annually to help small water systems achieve compliance with drinking water standards. By offering funding for operational costs and system consolidation, SAFER is essential for ensuring sustainable access to clean water, thus supporting public health and equity in California.