Best Grants for Preschools in California

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 Song-Brown Certified Nurse Midwifery Training Programs aim to support organizations training nurse midwifery students for underserved areas in California. This initiative includes recruiting students committed to serving in these communities, providing counseling and placement support, and offering relevant preceptorship experiences. By addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in critical regions, the program enhances access to primary care and improves health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Purpose

The Song-Brown program funds institutions that train primary care health professionals to provide healthcare in California’s medically underserved areas.

Description:

This grant opportunity will result in funding organizations to train primary carenurse practitioners and physician assistant trainees to work in underservedcommunities. Such strategies shall incorporate the following elements:

• Establishing procedures to identify, recruit and admit primary care nursepractitioner and physician assistant trainees who possess characteristicswhich would suggest a predisposition to practice in areas of unmet need, andwho express a commitment to serve in areas of unmet need.
• Implementing counseling and placement program to encourage trainingprogram graduates to enter practice in areas of unmet need.
• Providing a preceptorship experience in an area of unmet need to enhancethe potential of training program graduates to practice in such an area.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in California provide essential funding to organizations aiding low-income families in constructing their own homes. This program allows participants to gain valuable skills while building community through cooperative labor. Eligible applicants include government non-profits, federally-recognized Tribes, and private non-profits. The funds can be utilized for technical assistance, recruitment, and support in loan applications, fostering self-sufficiency and homeownership in rural areas.

The Doctoral Student Representative Precision Medicine Research grant, funded by the California Health and Human Services Agency, aims to support approximately 15 doctoral students conducting precision medicine research in California. With a budget of $2.3 million over 2.5 years, the program focuses on including underrepresented populations in research to reduce health disparities and ensure that the benefits of precision medicine reach all communities in California.

The California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) has established a $1 million funding pool for research on consumer affordability challenges and cost drivers using the Healthcare Payments Database (HPD). This initiative aims to support up to five grantees, with awards of up to $500,000 available this and the following spring. Researchers are encouraged to utilize alternative dissemination channels outside of CHCF’s traditional publication routes to share their findings.

Purpose

This work is intended to equip airports across seismically active regions throughout California with EEW technology.

Description

The purpose of the EA Program for Airports is to create a safer California by implementing and integrating the CEEWS statewide in key industries and critical sector

The Youth Community Access Grant Program, introduced by the California Natural Resources Agency, aims to enhance outdoor access for youth, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Funded by the Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Account, this program supports initiatives like community education and recreational amenities for substance use prevention. With approximately $18.5 million available, grants range from $25,000 to $500,000 to foster a healthier, more inclusive California.

The Rural Business Development Grants in California provide vital support for small rural businesses through technical assistance and training. Aimed at entities in rural areas, the program prioritizes smaller funding requests and offers two types of grants: Opportunity and Enterprise. Eligible applicants include towns, nonprofits, and tribal organizations. The grants can finance a variety of projects, from business training to infrastructure improvements, fostering economic growth and development in underserved communities.

The 2025-26 Digital Divide Grant Program aims to bridge the digital gap by awarding $100,000 to rural and urban public schools and two $50,000 grants to non-profit Community Based Organizations. The funding will support digital initiatives that enhance broadband access, affordability of devices, and digital skills training for underserved communities, ensuring a holistic approach to meet the needs of low-income districts and organizations.

The Tobacco Grant Program in California, established under Proposition 56, aims to reduce illegal sales and marketing of tobacco products to minors. Administered by the Office of the Attorney General, it has provided about $184.7 million in funding since 2017 to local law enforcement agencies. This reimbursement grant program evaluates funding based on submitted proposals, ensuring financial support for effective tobacco enforcement efforts across the state.

The AW Environmental Grant Program, backed by American Water Works Company, Inc., aims to support community-driven projects focused on water conservation and the protection of vital water resources. Since 2012, the foundation has invested over $15 million in innovative initiatives that enhance access to clean water and promote responsible water usage in underserved communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) charities and educational institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

The Kitchen Infrastructure and Training and Retention and Recruitment Grant offers $155 million in funding to enhance school nutrition programs across California. This initiative supports public school districts and charter schools in improving meal quality through procurement of local ingredients, staffing training, and infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, it aims to recruit and retain food service professionals, ensuring the provision of high-quality meals meets increasing demands. Eligible entities must apply online to access these competitive grants.

The TourWest Grants, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, aim to support presenters and organizations in the Western region by providing flexible funding for touring artists. This competitive grant encourages community engagement and outreach, fostering collaboration between artists and local communities. It prioritizes accessibility to the performing arts, especially in underserved areas. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or local government units and demonstrate a commitment to community needs through their projects.

The Milton and Sophie Meyer Fund Grant supports Jewish charities, primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area. Established by Milton Meyer, who lived from 1885 to 1978, the fund aims to foster arts, education, health, and human services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and focus on Jewish community needs. This grant enhances community welfare through diverse program areas, embodying a commitment to support and uplift Jewish charities in California.

California Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to protect the public’s health and shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. Public health is for everyone; not just in emergencies but in everyday life — from heart health and mental wellness to food safety and the prevention of infectious and chronic diseases. Our programs and services, in collaboration with local health departments, state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The California Tobacco Control Branch

The California Tobacco Control Branch leads statewide and local health programs, services and activities that promote an environment truly free of tobacco. ​

Statewide Priority Population Coordinating Center 

Purpose

This Request for Application (RFA) seeks to fund one (1) Statewide Priority Population Coordinating Center (PPCC), to coordinate and foster interactive and integrative collaboration and communication among California Department of Public Health, California Tobacco Prevention Program (CDPH/CTPP)-funded projects, as well as other state, regional, and local partners to address tobacco-related disparities. The PPCC will focus on each of the following population groups starting July 1, 2026: 1) African American/Black; 2) Asian American/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI); 3) Latino; 4) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ+); 5) Rural communities. Starting July 1, 2027, the PPCC will also incorporate collaboration and communication with American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

The Douglas Foundation Grant aims to enhance equitable access to education, healthcare, and the arts, focusing on improving the lives of children and women in California. The Foundation accepts grant applications year-round from credible not-for-profit organizations, prioritizing those that effectively utilize at least 80% of their revenues for direct services. Preference is given to agencies serving disadvantaged communities, particularly in Los Angeles County, while ensuring that operational costs are minimized.

The Active Transportation Grant Program aims to promote increased use of active transportation modes, such as biking and walking, throughout California. This program consolidates various federal and state transportation efforts and allocates significant funding annually to enhance safety and mobility for non-motorized users. The ATP also focuses on advancing public health and ensuring that disadvantaged communities benefit from transportation improvements, ultimately striving to make California a leader in active transportation initiatives.

The F-gas Reduction Incentive Program (FRIP) aims to incentivize the adoption of ultra-low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant technologies in commercial and industrial sectors. By promoting these climate-friendly technologies, FRIP intends to reduce fluorinated gas emissions and support California's efforts to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets as mandated by Senate Bill 1383. The program focuses on achieving economies of scale to facilitate wider market adoption and enhance environmental sustainability.

Helpers Community Grants

Helpers Community cares deeply about nonprofits that enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Helpers Community is dedicated to supporting nonprofit agencies and individuals that help those who provide residential care, recreation, and job training programs to Adults with developmental disabilities. Helpers Community grants fund 501(c)(3) organizations that serve individuals with developmental disabilities, with priority given to those in the state of California.

Organizations that qualify through their commitment to serve Adults with developmental disabilities can apply for grants for infrastructure and materials for specific programs or projects, including facility improvement projects, but not for general operating support and/or salaries.

The amount of funding requested, keeping in mind our typical grant awards range from $15,000 to $25,000, and if any other potential funders have been approached or have committed to fund a portion of this infrastructure need.

About Community Alliance with Family FarmersOur mission is to build sustainable food and farming systems through policy advocacy and on-the-ground programs that create more resilient family farms, communities, and ecosystems. CAFF’s core values form the foundation on which we conduct our programs and activities. The values support our work, how we interact with each other, and how we fulfill our mission.

About California Underserved and Small Producer ProgramThe California Underserved and Small Producer (CUSP) Program is designed to facilitate support for small and medium scale California agricultural producers, or small and medium scale Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (SDFR’s) through technical assistance with business planning and financial and marketing strategies, and also provides direct farmer grants for drought relief for those same priority groups. Funding:

• Farmers can receive up to $20,000 in CUSP funding in a 12-month period, regardless of the granting organization(s).
• Eligible producers may receive up to $20,000 in CUSP Drought Relief funds as well as up to $20,000 in CUSP Extreme Weather Relief funds (for a total of up to $40,000) within a 12-month period (from date of CDFA approval/verification)

The Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions aims to promote economic justice for those impacted by cannabis criminalization by providing support to local governments. With $15 million available for fiscal year 2025-2026, the program helps reduce barriers to entry in the regulated cannabis industry for equity applicants and licensees. By offering technical assistance and funding, it seeks to create fair opportunities and address systemic inequalities, thus supporting the transition to a legal cannabis market.

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 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program, initiated by the California Department of Transportation, aims to enhance the state's multi-modal transportation system while addressing climate change. Funded by Senate Bill 1, it allocates approximately $25 million annually to support local and regional planning initiatives. The program emphasizes partnerships with Metropolitan Planning Organizations and offers grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, fostering strategic projects that improve transportation infrastructure and promote sustainable communities.

The Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship, offered by UNICO Foundation, provides $1,250 to students of Italian descent pursuing engineering degrees in various disciplines. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship not only supports academic achievement but also promotes the heritage and contributions of the Italian American community, continuing UNICO's legacy of service and support.

The T2025 Multifamily Finance Super NOFA for Los Angeles allocates approximately $101 million to support multifamily housing and infrastructure projects in areas affected by wildfires in January 2025. The California Department of Housing and Community Development aims to expedite affordable housing solutions for disaster survivors through two application phases, emphasizing immediate construction and readiness. Eligible programs include Multifamily Housing, Supportive Housing, and Infrastructure Grant initiatives, all focused on enhancing housing stability and community recovery.