Best Grants for Preschools in California

The Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.

Purpose

CalRecycle's Waste Tire Cleanup Grant, a competitive grant program to provide funding for collection, removal, transportation, recycling, & disposing of California waste tires from tire piles & illegal dumping areas along public rights-of-way or private property. California cities, counties, special districts, Qualifying Tribal Entities & joint powers authorities are eligible to apply. This grant has a 2-year grant term. 

Description

CalRecycle oversees the Waste Tire Cleanup Grant, a competitive grant program to provide funding for collection, removal, transportation, recycling, and disposing of California waste tires from tire piles and illegal dumping areas along public rights-of-way or on private property. California cities, counties, special districts, Qualifying California Native American tribes and joint powers authorities are eligible to apply. Funding:  $1,500,000 available for fiscal year (FY) 2026–27 - $100,000 for individual grant awards and $250,000 for regional grant awards.

Funding

Funds are limited to the removal of waste tires:

• Along public rights-of-way
• On private property.
• This grant has a 2-year grant term and is offered in even years. 

The Workforce Education and Training Peer Personnel Training and Placement program aims to provide essential training for peer personnel on critical issues such as crisis management, suicide prevention, and recovery planning. This initiative emphasizes the inclusion of individuals with lived experience in mental health services, ensuring they receive the necessary support and training. The program outlines a comprehensive framework for recruitment, training, placement, and evaluation to effectively prepare peer personnel for their roles.

California Natural Resources Agency

The California Natural Resources Agency oversees and supports more than 26 distinct departments, conservancies, and commissions. Our Agency Executive Team leads efforts to steward California’s natural environment and to advance Governor Newsom’s key priorities.

Over 25,000 Californians work within our Agency all across the state to meet our mission to protect, manage, and restore the state’s environment and its vast natural, cultural, and historical resources. We advance this work with science as our foundation and inclusion and collaboration as our guiding principles.

Urban Greening Grant Program

Funding Purpose

The Urban Greening Grant Program will fund projects that use nature-based solutions to mitigate the urban heat island effect, rising temperatures, and extreme heat impacts in urban areas.

Nature-based solutions include all the ways land can be managed to boost the health and resilience of natural systems, helping them store carbon and protect against climate change impacts, including extreme heat. Nature-based solutions that address extreme heat impacts use natural cooling strategies to limit temperature increase and urban heat islands. Examples include planting trees that provide strategic shade, expanding green spaces that serve as places of refuge during heat waves, and increasing tree canopy cover in cities, communities, and schoolyards.

Successful projects will green and cool communities and offer multiple benefits including sequestering carbon, limiting stormwater runoff, providing habitat and preserving biodiversity, protecting public health during extreme heat, increasing equity, and expanding economic and workforce opportunities. Funded projects are expected to advance the goals of the State’s Extreme Heat Action Plan and Nature-Based Solutions Climate Targets. 

The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) Fund Grant, offered by the California Employment Training Panel, provides up to $2.7 million to train and certify electricians in installing electric vehicle charging equipment across California. This initiative aims to enhance the workforce's skills in a growing sector, ensuring economic competitiveness and job security within the state. The program represents a collaborative effort to support sustainable energy infrastructure and job creation in California.

The Arts & Youth Grant Program by the California Arts Council aims to provide equitable access to arts education and experiences for young people aged 0-25 across California. This initiative addresses barriers related to socio-economic status, geographic isolation, and identity, ensuring underserved communities receive support. The program encourages participation in culturally responsive arts activities, fostering community connections and creative engagement, ultimately nurturing culturally literate citizens.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Tribal Multifamily Finance Super NOFA provides approximately $50 million in funding aimed at enhancing the living conditions of Indian communities. By facilitating flexible financial options, it seeks to address critical needs related to health, climate, and household stability. All applicants must engage in a pre-application meeting with the Department, and applications will be accepted on an over-the-counter basis until funds are exhausted.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy’s scientists in California are working to inform, influence, and inspire conservation in today’s human-dominated world, to build a future in which people and nature thrive together.

Oren Pollak Memorial Research Fund

The Oren Pollak Memorial Research Fund was established in 2000 in memory of Dr. Oren Pollak, a leading grassland ecologist and restoration pioneer, as well as an ardent champion and mentor for grassland ecology students. As The Nature Conservancy’s lead ecologist in California in the early 1990s, Dr. Pollak established the grassland research program that continues today. He later became Director of Science in the Conservancy’s Oregon Chapter. Since 2000, the Pollak Fund has granted more than $170,000 in grasslands research funding for student scientists. 

The Nature Conservancy will be granting up to $20,000 for assistance to two or three student grantees to conduct research on grasslands in California or Oregon. Preference will be given to projects explicitly focused on grasslands and relevant to TNC’s conservation efforts in California or Oregon.

Proposed projects may include, but are not restricted to, research on grassland management practices (e.g., restoration, grazing), habitat value for rare and threatened species, and community ecology. Studies conducted on TNC preserves and coordination with TNC preserve managers is desirable but not mandatory. 

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

At Raley’s, we believe that giving back is one of the most important things we do. We have re-aligned our giving strategy to ensure our community giving reflects our company’s vision of changing the way the world eats, one plate at a time.

Through our two corporate giving programs, Raley’s Purposeful Giving and Raley’s Extra Credit Grants, we are able to support thousands of organizations throughout our company footprint.

Raley's Extra Credit Grants

Raley’s proudly supports causes that make significant impacts in our schools and align with one or more of our Extra Credit pillars:

• Nutrition Education
• Food Literacy
• Play

Through Extra Credit Grants, we also support:

• School Shopping Days: Store fundraiser where 20% of store sales (up to $5,000) on a mutually agreed upon date will go back to the school.
• Store Tours: Opportunities for students to learn how to shop healthy, read nutrition labels, and more!

Raley's offers 3 primary forms of support:

• Monetary support for programs
• Healthy Food and Snack Items
• Raley's Gift Cards

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.

Education for Homeless Children and Youth Technical Assistance Center

The CDE invites county offices of education (COEs) throughout the state to apply to become a HETAC. The HETAC(s) will provide regional support, resources, and expertise to homeless education liaisons throughout the state to ensure that local educational agencies (LEAs) meet all of the requirements specified in Section 11432(g)(3) of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] Sec. 11301 et seq.) and additional homeless education provisions outlined in California Education Code (EC).

The JFLA Mini Grant for Japanese Arts & Culture Program supports projects aimed at enhancing the understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for qualifying nonprofit organizations. Eligible projects must occur in the 13 states west of the Rocky Mountains and focus on fostering U.S.-Japan collaborations through various artistic mediums. Notably, applicants must be designated 501(c)(3) organizations and adhere to specific funding guidelines.

The Sunstate Equipment Foundation Grants support local charities focused on disadvantaged individuals, medical aid, housing assistance, domestic violence awareness, military and veterans' assistance, and care for abused animals. Founded in 2015, the foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that matches employee contributions dollar for dollar, reinforcing its commitment to community support and engagement. Charities in good standing can apply once every 12 months, fostering impactful initiatives where Sunstate operates.

The Mary Graham Foundation Scholarship supports foster youth in San Joaquin County, providing financial assistance for college and trade school expenses. With a focus on helping individuals transition to independent living, the program offers mentorship and social gatherings. Eligible applicants must have been part of the foster care system and maintain a minimum GPA. Scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that students receive the necessary support to pursue their educational goals.

The Local Government Waste Tire Amnesty Grant Program, administered by CalRecycle, offers $1,500,000 in funding for fiscal year 2025-26 to support local governments in conducting free tire recycling events. These events are designed to help the public and businesses dispose of waste tires conveniently. Up to $40,000 is available for individual applicants, while regional applicants can receive up to $90,000. The program aims to promote responsible waste management and reduce illegal tire dumping.

The Local Enforcement Agency Grant Program, administered by CalRecycle, provides critical funding for Local Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to enhance solid waste facilities permit and inspection programs. With $1,500,000 available for FY 2025–26, including $96,000 dedicated to LEA training and outreach, this initiative aims to bolster existing budgets and ensure effective waste management. Projects funded will directly contribute to the sustainability and compliance of solid waste operations in California.

The Proposition 68 Fish and Wildlife Improvement Grant aims to enhance the resilience of communities against climate change impacts while improving fish and wildlife habitats. Funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, these grants support projects that protect coastal and rural economies, promote agricultural viability, and develop recreational opportunities. Key objectives include improving water retention and landscape resilience, ensuring the sustainability of vital ecosystems across California.

The Proposition 68 Fish and Wildlife Improvement Grant Opportunities aim to restore Southern California Steelhead habitat. This funding supports projects that enhance climate resilience, protect wildlife corridors, and improve agricultural viability. Priority is given to initiatives that remove barriers to steelhead migration and undertake habitat restoration. These efforts align with the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s restoration plans and focus on enhancing community adaptation to climate change impacts while promoting ecological health in the region.

The Explore the Coast Overnight Program by the California Coastal Conservancy aims to enhance overnight coastal access for all Californians, particularly low-income and underserved communities. This initiative focuses on expanding affordable accommodations such as hotels, campgrounds, and hostels. Key goals include improving existing facilities, supporting innovative projects, and increasing the availability of budget-friendly lodging along California’s coast, ensuring everyone can enjoy its natural beauty.

The Proposition 68 Fish and Wildlife Improvement Grant Opportunities provide funding to enhance community resilience against climate change through projects aimed at improving fisheries and wildlife habitats, agricultural viability, and recreational opportunities. Administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, these grants specifically support the restoration of rivers and streams, particularly within the Klamath-Trinity Watershed, ensuring sustainable environmental practices and economic benefits for local communities.

The Sylvia Shugrue Award for Elementary School Teachers recognizes outstanding educators who create interdisciplinary, inquiry-based lesson plans. This prestigious award, funded by the National Science Teachers Association, includes a $1,000 grant and additional funding for attending the NSTA National Conference on Science Education. Eligible applicants must be full-time elementary teachers with a minimum of five years of experience and must be NSTA members in good standing. This initiative aims to enhance science education in elementary schools.

The INDIGO Program and FPIP are initiatives designed to support industrial decarbonization and improve grid operations while ensuring food production sustainability. These programs focus on funding projects that enhance electrical grid reliability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and comply with state energy goals. They specifically target eligible industrial and food production facilities, promoting innovative solutions for environmental impact and operational efficiency.

The Export Vouchers Grant enables eligible businesses to receive reimbursement for their export promotion activities, covering up to 75% of pre-approved expenses, with a maximum of $10,000 available per federal fiscal year. Applications must be submitted 2-3 weeks in advance of the planned activity. Notably, funding is not guaranteed until confirmation is received, and only one application per round is permitted. This grant supports businesses seeking to expand their international presence.

The Division of Boating and Waterways Aquatic Center Boating Safety Education Grant for FY25 aims to enhance public knowledge of boating safety. It funds organizations that provide on-water education courses covering vital topics like boating laws, vessel handling, and weather conditions. Eligible applicants include local agencies and nonprofits operating within California's waterways, ensuring that safety education reaches a wide audience and promotes responsible boating practices.

The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust – Falk Catalyst Awards support high-risk, high-reward biomedical research with up to $350,000 in funding over one to two years. These awards aim to address critical scientific challenges and enable the translation of innovative research into clinical practices. Projects focus on identifying biological markers, therapeutic targets, and developing interventions to disrupt disease processes, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients.