Best Youth Sports Grants in California

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

ON Semiconductor Foundation

onsemi is a leading semiconductor manufacturer serving tens of thousands of customers across several markets with intelligent power and sensing technologies.

The ON Semiconductor Foundation, an onsemi Giving Now program, has named PLTW a strategic partner and made an additional investment to support grants for schools in onsemi communities to implement or expand the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2027 school year.

PLTW Biomedical Science - New Program

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Biomedical Science course in the 2026-2027 academic year. Schools may implement any PLTW Biomedical Science courses of their choosing.

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.

Public Charter Schools Grant Program Start-Up Subgrant

Purpose and Background

The PCSGP is a subgrant program funded by the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP), authorized under Title IV, Part C of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (20 United States Code [U.S.C.] 7221–7221j (External Link). The PCSGP is a discretionary grant program. California was awarded approximately $93 million in grant funds for 2024–29. States that are awarded these federal funds distribute them in subgrants to charter school developers, known as PCSGP Start-Up Subgrants in the state of California, to assist in the development and initial operations of newly established or conversion charter schools as well as to assist in the expansion and replication of high-quality charter schools.

PCSGP Start-Up Subgrants identify funding levels and terms into three subgrant types: New School (Planning and Implementation), Replication, and Expansion. For FY 2026, the CDE has an approved pipeline and budget to award approximately 26 subgrants. The actual number and type of subgrants awarded during each RFA competition may vary based on demand. If all authorized awards are not approved for funding, the CDE may open additional RFA competition events for new applicants until allocated funds have been awarded.

The Beneficial State Foundation offers sponsorships to 501(c)(3) organizations in California, Oregon, and Washington, focusing on social justice and environmental work. With a unique business model, Beneficial State Bank reinvests profits back into communities, emphasizing support for existing clients. Organizations must submit requests at least 60 days in advance and cannot use funds for political activities. The foundation prioritizes partnerships, making funding competitive due to high demand.

The Western SARE Local Education and Demonstration Grants aim to promote sustainable agriculture through practical demonstrations and educational activities. This program addresses barriers to adopting sustainable practices by integrating findings from previous research. Projects can last up to three years and receive funding of up to $60,000. Successful proposals involve local demonstrations, trainings, and technical assistance, engaging farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals in the process of sustainable agriculture adoption.

The Virginia H. Glasson Charitable Trust Grant supports Christian charitable organizations and preferred beneficiaries. It funds projects in areas such as education, scientific research, religious activities, and arts and culture. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code, located in states such as California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, and Washington D.C. However, individuals cannot apply for funding.

The Pacific Branch John Henry Comstock Award honors an exemplary graduate student in entomology within the Pacific Branch. This award aims to foster enthusiasm for entomology at the graduate level and encourage participation in the Pacific Branch and ESA Annual Meetings. The winner will present at the Pacific Branch Meeting and receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the ESA Annual Meeting, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate, covering airfare, hotel, registration, and per diem.

Focused on civil rights and justice reform, Rosenberg Foundation invites California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies to seek funding for advocacy, organizing, and leadership development. Youth-serving organizations working on criminal justice reform, immigrant and workers’ rights, or civic engagement in California may be eligible for awards up to US $100,000.

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) for Tribal Applicants in California offers funding to support affordable housing initiatives. This program accepts applications until September 24, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. It aims to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low-income and very low-income households through loans and grants. Eligible applicants can utilize these funds for various housing-related activities, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.

The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program plays a vital role in California's climate strategy by funding projects that promote affordable housing and sustainable transportation. By reducing reliance on personal vehicles, it aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The program supports new construction, renovation of affordable housing, and transportation infrastructure, including transit amenities and safe walking and biking options, thereby fostering equitable access to essential services for all residents.

The Local Government Waste Tire Enforcement Grant Program, offered by CalRecycle, provides essential funding for California jurisdictions to enforce waste tire laws. Eligible applicants, including cities and counties, can receive grants based on their population size, with amounts ranging from $350,000 to $650,000. This non-competitive funding aims to ensure compliance with regulations related to waste tire permitting, hauling, and storage, fostering a cleaner environment and public safety.

The Song-Brown Registered Nurse Education Program (CA) aims to fund organizations that train Registered Nurses (RNs) for underserved communities. Grants support pre-licensure RN programs to recruit students from Registered Nurse Shortage Areas (RNSAs) and prepare them for diverse environments. Eligible programs may receive funding for existing or expansion slots, with a maximum award of $300,000 for two years. This initiative enhances healthcare access in multicultural and low-income neighborhoods.

The California State Forest Legacy Grant Program, administered by CAL FIRE, aims to conserve working forests through funding landscape-scale projects. Established under the California Forest Legacy Program Act of 2007, the program supports the purchase of conservation easements and fee title acquisitions to protect forested landscapes from subdivision and conversion. By collaborating with willing landowners, CAL FIRE seeks to enhance conservation efforts, ensuring ecological integrity and public access while maintaining the area's natural landscape.

The Consolidated Application (ConApp) is used by the California Department of Education (CDE) to distribute categorical funds from various federal programs (e.g., Title I, Part A; Title II) to county offices, school districts, and direct funded charter schools throughout California.

Rooted in Purpose. Focused on Progress.

California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions are the trade associations representing credit unions across both states. For more than 90 years, we’ve united and empowered credit unions to better serve more than 13.5 million members — providing advocacy, resources, and leadership that strengthen the entire movement.

Each year, California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions honor distinguished industry leaders and volunteers during the Leagues’ REACH Conference. 

J. Alvin George Outstanding Volunteer Award

This award honors significant contributions by people who serve credit unions in volunteer capacities, such as a director or committee member. It was renamed in 2013 in honor of the long-time credit union volunteer, J. Alvin George, who passed away that same year.

The Larry L. Hillblom Foundation offers the Start-Up Grant to support early-career researchers in California focused on diabetes and age-related brain and vision disorders. Grants of up to $120,000 per year for three years are available for projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to medical research. The foundation prioritizes funding for those affiliated with California institutions and encourages applications from those who have not held faculty positions for over a year.

The Hillblom Foundation Fellowship supports post-doctoral research training in two key areas. Eligible candidates must be committed to their research and demonstrate promising prior performance. The host institution must provide necessary infrastructure and mentorship, ensuring the fellow develops independence. The fellowship requires annual reporting and participation in the Hillblom Scientific Meeting. Renewal is contingent on satisfactory progress. This grant prioritizes applicants who have not previously held a fellowship and have recently completed their doctorate.

The Strategic Partnerships Grants, provided by the California Department of Transportation, support multimodal transportation planning activities through a competitive application process. Grants range from $75,000 to $500,000 and focus on addressing transportation deficiencies on the State highway system. Various planning activities are encouraged, including climate adaptation and sustainable community initiatives, aiming to meet California's greenhouse gas reduction targets by 2030 and 2050.

Belief & Purpose

Guiding beliefs, principles, and performance benchmarks of the 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.

Mandate Block Grant, Fiscal Year 2026-27

Funding Description

Provide funding to county offices of education (COE), school districts and charter schools to fund the costs of various mandated programs and activities identified in Government Code (GC) Section 17581.6(f).

The Wheeler Charitable Trust Grant, established by Ruth A. Wheeler and Henry O. Wheeler in 1982, focuses on supporting education and various charitable causes primarily in California and Washington. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of July 1 for annual review in August. The Trust aims to uphold the values of generosity and resilience exemplified by its founders, funding areas such as arts, health, and human services.

Alaska Airlines Corporate Giving supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through in-kind donations and sponsorships. Focused on youth success, career readiness, care and belonging, environmental sustainability, and community resiliency, the program aims to strengthen communities served by Alaska Airlines. Organizations are encouraged to submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. However, support is generally granted on a one-time basis, and certain groups, such as those that discriminate or engage in capital projects, are ineligible.

The Wetlands and Mountain Meadows Restoration program, funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, aims to restore wetlands and watershed ecosystems with a budget of up to $54 million. This initiative supports biodiversity, climate resilience, and public access while enhancing habitats as per the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy. Projects are accepted on a rolling basis, emphasizing sustainable practices and cohabitation with wildlife, particularly beavers.

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.

Direct Air Capture Pre-Commercial Demonstration and Community Engagement

Purpose

This solicitation supports the development and deployment of advanced direct air capture (DAC) carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies through pre-commercial pilot and demonstration projects under real-world conditions.

Graduate students conducting decorative arts research related to objects, collections, crafts, or designers on the West Coast, or enrolled in West Coast graduate programs, can receive US $500 - US $2,000 for research travel. Grants from Decorative Arts Trust may benefit California-based scholars, including those whose work intersects with youth or community-focused cultural programs.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is offering the Wildlife Corridors – Nature Based Solutions Grant to fund projects enhancing ecosystem restoration and protection. With over $200 million available, this initiative supports connectivity projects that align with the State Wildlife Action Plan. Eligible applicants include tribes, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies, aiming to foster multi-benefit, nature-based solutions for wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity.

Organizations developing large-scale clean hydrogen production, storage, delivery, and end-use projects in California can apply for California Energy Commission grants, with awards from US $20,000,000 - US $22,500,000. Youth sports or recreation facilities that are part of hard-to-electrify transportation, industrial, or electricity sectors may be eligible if integrated into a qualifying clean hydrogen value chain.

Tobacco-Use Prevention and Youth Engagement Grant (Cohort 2026–29)

Purpose:

The purpose of this RFA is to help LEAs develop and implement effective tobacco prevention and education programs for students in grades six through twelve. This deviation is a result of declining tobacco tax revenues and a reduction in prevalence of youth tobacco use and vaping, which dropped from 10.5 percent in 2018 to 5.0 percent in 2024, per the California Youth Tobacco Survey results.

Description:

TPYE Cohort 2026–29 grants will be funded using tobacco tax revenues allocated to the CDE from Propositions 56 and 99, as enacted in the state budget.

The grant award period is from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029. Grant Award Notifications (AO-400s) will be allocated for the three-year grant cycle.

The number of grants awarded will depend on the number and quality of applications received, the number of students enrolled in districts and schools applying for funding, and the total amount of funding available

This funding will be provided at a rate of $18 per student for the three-year grant cycle from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Funding will be based on the number the students the applicant proposes to serve in grades 6 through 12 as reported in their enrollment from the 2024–25 school year. Total funding requested cannot exceed $750,000 for each applicant. However, no award will be less than $75,000 for the three-year grant cycle; therefore, any applicant who would receive less than $75,000 based on the funding formula must submit a budget for $75,000.

The Los Angeles Rams Foundation supports local charitable organizations by providing autographed memorabilia for fundraising events. Each organization can request one donated item per year, with priority given to requests from the Los Angeles area. Although the Rams cannot fulfill requests for autographing merchandise, their contributions help raise significant funds through auctions and raffles, making a positive impact in the community. Please allow at least six weeks for processing.