Best Grants for Museums in California

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

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.

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.

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 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.

Urban Greening 2026

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

The 2026 Urban Greening Grant Program will solicit Step 1 Concept Proposals (between May 4-June 4) and extend invitations to submit Step 2 Full Proposals in July 2026.

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.

Urban Greening projects must comply with all the following:

• Be located in an urban area;
• Provide public benefit; and
• Provide public access

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.

Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program Round 10

The AHSC Program funds projects that implement land-use, housing, transportation, and agricultural land preservation practices that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The AHSC Program provides grants and/or loans for Projects that achieve GHG Reductions and benefit communities across California, particularly DACs, Low-Income Communities, and Low-Income Households, through increasing accessibility of affordable housing, employment centers, and Key Destinations via low-carbon transportation. These investments result in fewer vehicle miles traveled (VMT) through shortened or reduced vehicle trip length or mode shift to transit, bicycling, or walking.

The purpose of these Program Guidelines is to implement Division 44, Part 1 Chapter 2 of the California Public Resources Code (PRC) (commencing with Section 75200), which establishes the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program, hereinafter referred to as the AHSC Program. Per the California Public Resources Code, the purpose of the AHSC Program is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through Projects that implement land use, housing, transportation, and Agricultural Land preservation practices to support infill and compact development, and that support related and coordinated public policy objectives, including the following:

• Reducing air pollution;
• Improving conditions in Disadvantaged Communities (DACs);
• Supporting or improving public health and other co-benefits as defined in Section 39712 of the Health and Safety Code;
• Improving connectivity and accessibility to jobs, housing, and services;
• Increasing options for mobility, including the implementation of the Active Transportation Program established pursuant to Section 2380 of the Streets and Highway Code;
• Increasing transit ridership;
• Preserving and developing affordable housing for lower income households, as defined in Section 50079.5 of the Health and Safety Code; and
• Protecting Agricultural Lands to support infill development.

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 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. 

About the North Valley Health Education Foundation

The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health through education. Since its founding in 1973, the Foundation has supported students pursuing healthcare careers and strengthened communities across Northern California’s North Valley.

NVHEF serves as a regional connector—bringing together students, educators, healthcare institutions, donors, and community leaders who share a commitment to a strong and sustainable healthcare workforce.

Healthcare Scholarships

The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) provides scholarships to students pursuing healthcare careers who are committed to serving Northern California communities. Our focus is on strengthening the regional healthcare workforce by supporting students in medical, nursing, and allied health programs.

Each year, NVHEF awards $20,000–$30,000 in healthcare scholarships to students enrolled in accredited programs who demonstrate academic commitment, community connection, and a passion for healthcare service.

Enloe Junior Volunteer Scholarship

This application is for students who are graduating high school seniors that currently volunteer at Enloe Health and are considering a medical career. 

About the North Valley Health Education Foundation

The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health through education. Since its founding in 1973, the Foundation has supported students pursuing healthcare careers and strengthened communities across Northern California’s North Valley.

NVHEF serves as a regional connector—bringing together students, educators, healthcare institutions, donors, and community leaders who share a commitment to a strong and sustainable healthcare workforce.

Healthcare Scholarships

The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) provides scholarships to students pursuing healthcare careers who are committed to serving Northern California communities. Our focus is on strengthening the regional healthcare workforce by supporting students in medical, nursing, and allied health programs.

Each year, NVHEF awards $20,000–$30,000 in healthcare scholarships to students enrolled in accredited programs who demonstrate academic commitment, community connection, and a passion for healthcare service.

Enloe Employee Advancement Scholarship

This application is for current Enloe Health employees seeking scholarship support for education or training that advances their role in healthcare.

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 WaterSMART Applied Science Grants aim to enhance water management and supply reliability through innovative research and data utilization. By inviting qualified entities to apply for funding, the program focuses on improving hydrologic data access, forecasting capabilities, and modeling tools. This initiative aligns with federal priorities to optimize resources, ensuring water managers can effectively address future demands and adapt to climate challenges, thus fostering resilience in water operations across the nation.

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 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 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).

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 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.