California Business and Commerce Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support for affordable housing and sustainable transportation projects in California, targeting local governments, nonprofits, and other eligible entities to create healthier, more equitable communities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The California Museum Grant Program, initiated by the California Natural Resources Agency, aims to support and enhance museums deeply rooted in and reflective of previously underserved communities. This program offers approximately $27.7 million in funding, which may be disbursed over multiple rounds. The core mission alignment of this grant is to bolster museums that serve a critical role in their communities, particularly those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and those serving historically underserved populations. The program's intent is to solicit proposals for both program and capital projects that contribute to the vitality and accessibility of these cultural institutions. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are museums that serve historically underserved communities or students subject to Title I of the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This includes pupils and teachers at eligible schools, children in low-income communities, and communities that have historically lacked adequate access to cultural resources. The impact goals are broad, aiming to improve access to cultural resources, preserve at-risk collections and historic buildings, support ethical stewardship of culturally sensitive artifacts, and educate the public on critical issues affecting Californians. The program prioritizes funding for museums severely affected by COVID-19 and those serving historically underserved communities. Projects must also align with at least one of the following priorities: serving students and teachers in Title I eligible schools; serving children in low-income communities; engaging or collaborating with underserved communities; advancing preservation of at-risk cultural and natural collections and historic buildings; improving access; supporting ethical stewardship of culturally sensitive art and artifacts, including consultation with California Indian tribes or repatriation; or educating the public about critical issues. Eligible projects encompass capital improvements, exhibits, educational programs, outreach programs, public programs, curriculum development, publications, marketing, and collections care. Expected outcomes include enhanced museum infrastructure and offerings, increased engagement with underserved communities, improved preservation of cultural and natural heritage, and greater public education on relevant societal issues. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on serving specific communities and advancing certain priorities implies a focus on metrics related to audience reach, program participation, preservation efforts, and community engagement. Grant proposal requests range from $50,000 to $500,000 for program projects and $100,000 to $1 million for capital projects, indicating a commitment to significant, impactful interventions.

The City of Stockton and Stockton Arts Commission are offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for local artists and art organizations to fund projects that promote public engagement and access to various forms of art within the city, with funds being used for artist compensation, production, exhibit costs, marketing, rental cost, and supplies.

This program provides funding to businesses, nonprofits, institutions, and school districts in Alameda County to replace single-use transport packaging with durable, reusable alternatives, helping to reduce waste and lower costs.

This initiative provides financial support to small businesses and community organizations impacted by the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County, focusing on recovery and resilience for underserved enterprises.

The goal of the Façade Improvement Grant Program (FIGP) is to be a catalyst for improving the exterior of business-use properties that result in quality improvements and enhancements that benefit the business and the City. The improvements must enhance the appearance of the property and the environment in which the property is located. The FIGP has been established as a one-time program to provide grant funding for business owners and/or property owners of retail, commercial, industrial and office properties in the focus area to complete exterior improvements to business-use properties. The grant is not intended for new “ground up construction” but for improvement of existing large scale commercial buildings and the property around them. Funding Information The City anticipates awarding funds to 4-6 projects. Any awarded funding $100,000 and over will require a 10% match in private investment and a public hearing before the City Council. For example, if an applicant is awarded a grant for $150,000 in eligible improvements, the applicant is required to match $15,000 (10% of $150,000). In this example, a business or property owner can realize a total of $165,000 in improvements with a $15,000 investment. Private investment may exceed the matching grant portion of the project if, for example, interior improvements are included in the scope of work even though they are not eligible for the grant.  Purchase of the materials and services shall be funded in whole or in part by a grant from the U.S. Treasury and as such the recipient shall be required to abide by certain Federal provisions and requirements. The procurement regulations and guidelines require that all agreements with sub-recipients for projects using these funds adhere to all applicable requirements relating but not limited to non-discrimination, equal employment opportunity, training and business opportunity, and non-segregated facilities. Eligible Activities  The purpose of the FIGP is for significant and impactful façade improvements and renovations that includes improvements or renovations of existing buildings. For example, a cumulative number of eligible activities that may include a combination of several of the following: structural façade improvements, paint, awnings, signs, addition of architectural detail to façade, façade tile or stone accents, decorative entry walkway area, outside dining with decorative features, irrigated landscape/flower planters or pots, outside decorative lighting, and/or new windows. Eligible Applicants  Small Business – has no more than 500 employees or, if applicable, the size standard in number of employees established by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration for the industry in which the business concern or organization operates; and (2) Is a small business concern as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). Non-profit – a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.  Impacted Industry – an industry or businesses within an “impacted” industry that experienced a negative economic impact during the pandemic including tourism, travel, and hospitality. If the industry is outside of travel, tourism or hospitality sectors, the industry is impacted if: 1) The industry experienced at least 8 percent employment loss from pre-pandemic levels, or 2) The industry is experiencing comparable or worse economic impacts as the tourism, travel and hospitality industries as of the date the ARPA Final Rule (published 12/6/2022).

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in San Mateo County that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them cover operating expenses and recover from revenue losses.

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This grant provides financial and volunteer support to nonprofit organizations in the Sacramento area that focus on youth development and promote diversity, equity, and community empowerment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to individuals, organizations, and businesses looking to improve the community of Rancho Cordova through various projects and programs.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a grant of over $1 million for the implementation of dairy digesters on California dairy farms, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting methane into renewable energy, with a focus on projects that use at least 80% dairy livestock manure as feedstock.

The City of Vallejo received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to establish a grant program aimed at supporting local small businesses severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative directly aligns with the city's commitment to economic recovery and resilience, seeking to mitigate the negative financial repercussions experienced by its business community. The program's core mission is to provide crucial financial assistance, specifically targeting security improvements, thereby fostering a safer and more stable operating environment for eligible businesses within Vallejo. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are for-profit and non-profit brick-and-mortar businesses situated in Vallejo. To qualify, businesses must possess a valid Vallejo business license, employ 20 or fewer individuals, and provide receipts for purchases made between January 1, 2023, and September 24, 2024. The program's impact goals are focused on enhancing the physical security of these businesses, thereby reducing vulnerability to crime and creating a more secure commercial landscape. The program prioritizes funding for security improvements, with grants available up to $3,000 for items such as cameras, locks, and window enhancements. This focus addresses a critical need for small businesses that may lack the resources to invest in such protective measures independently. The expected outcomes include a tangible increase in the security infrastructure of participating businesses, leading to a safer environment for employees, customers, and business assets. Measurable results will be directly tied to the utilization of grant funds for approved security upgrades. Success will be determined by the number of businesses receiving grants, the types of security improvements implemented, and potentially, a reduction in reported incidents related to security vulnerabilities among grant recipients. The City of Vallejo's strategic priority through this program is to strengthen its local economy by supporting its small business sector, recognizing that a resilient business community is vital for overall city prosperity and recovery from the pandemic's economic downturn. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted financial aid for essential security enhancements, the city can empower small businesses to protect their assets, maintain operations, and contribute to the broader economic stability and revitalization of Vallejo.

This funding program provides financial support to local artists and nonprofit arts organizations in Los Angeles County to create engaging cultural arts projects that benefit the Burbank community.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and local government agencies in Arizona, California, and Nevada to create jobs, provide job training, and assist low-income entrepreneurs and at-risk communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Sacramento-based nonprofit cultural organizations and for-profit creative businesses to develop workforce training and internship programs for underserved youth and young adults aged 16-24.

The City of Indian Wells’ Grants-in-Aid program is designed to provide funding to tax-exempt, non-profit organizations under Section 501(c)(3) that have been in business for at least five years. The program aims to support community assistance and services within the Coachella Valley. The City recognizes the crucial role community-based organizations play in providing various services or education, and this grant program serves as a financial aid mechanism to support these efforts. This aligns with the City's broader mission to foster a supportive and well-served community by backing organizations that possess expertise in offering valuable services that the City itself does not provide. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are the residents of Indian Wells and the Coachella Valley at large. The program specifically seeks to address identified community needs within this region. The impact goals are centered on enhancing the availability and quality of essential community services, education, and support. The City prioritizes funding for initiatives that expand existing service programs, add new services or special projects, or facilitate the purchase of specific items necessary for service delivery, excluding start-up, administrative, overhead, or fundraising costs. The program focuses on organizations that demonstrate a clear community need, are not duplicating services already funded by the City, and do not rely solely on community assistance funding for viability. The City aims to support services that would be more costly if provided directly by the municipality, emphasizing efficiency and leveraging external expertise. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of new or expanded community programs, increased access to vital services for residents, and a stronger network of community support within the Coachella Valley. Measurable results are expected through the submission of compiled year-end reports, including project completion by June 30 of the funded year, and accurate accounts of all receipts and expenditures. Funding is awarded on a single-year basis, and proof of adequate insurance coverage may be required. The City's strategic priority is to invest in community-based groups, non-profit social agencies, or area service providers that directly benefit its residents, thereby enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life in Indian Wells and the wider Coachella Valley.

This grant provides funding for individual artists, arts organizations, and small businesses in Chula Vista to create free cultural events and projects that promote community engagement and inclusivity in various artistic disciplines.

The City of Ventura offers Special Event Grants to support events and festivals that enhance public spaces and boost visitor spending. The program aims to champion community celebrations that draw in both residents and visitors, reinforce Ventura's cultural identity and economic vitality, and foster an entrepreneurial spirit alongside innovative public-private partnerships. While the document does not explicitly state a "foundation mission alignment," the grant's objectives align with broader municipal goals of community enrichment, economic development, and cultural promotion within the city. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are City of Ventura-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status, or those with a City of Ventura-based fiscal agent that holds 501(c)(3) status. The grants are intended to increase the number of free and affordable community events, thereby benefiting residents and visitors by providing accessible cultural and entertainment opportunities. The impact goals include strengthening Ventura’s cultural identity, enhancing economic vitality through increased visitor spending, and promoting collaboration between sectors. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around activating public spaces and celebrating community. Specifically, the annual funding through the Special Event Grant Program aims to support events that attract residents and visitors, strengthening the city's cultural and economic fabric. This year, there is an additional focus, approved by the Ventura City Council in their 2023-24 goals, to award one-time funding to specifically increase free and affordable community events throughout the city. Expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly detailed with specific metrics, can be inferred from the grant's objectives. These would likely include an increase in the number of free and affordable events, a rise in visitor spending attributable to these events, enhanced community engagement and participation in local celebrations, and a strengthened sense of cultural identity within Ventura. The grant also seeks to promote innovative partnerships, suggesting an outcome of increased collaboration between private sector and public agencies. The "theory of change" underpinning this program is that by funding special events, the city can achieve its broader strategic priorities of community development, economic growth, and cultural enrichment.

This program provides funding to community groups and local organizations in Santa Rosa for projects that improve neighborhoods and foster community engagement, such as clean-ups, public art, and gardens.

The District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) invites applications for funding to support community-based organizations in implementing place-based initiatives. The overarching goal is to improve the well-being and stability of families through community-driven efforts. This aligns with a mission to empower local communities by providing resources and services that directly address their specific needs and strengths, fostering self-sufficiency and improved family outcomes. The grant program aims to establish and support Family Success Centers, which will serve as accessible hubs for neighbors to utilize computers, access various resources and services, and participate in classes and trainings. Each center is designed to be unique, reflecting the specific strengths and goals of its community, ensuring that the support provided is relevant and impactful. This model focuses on localized solutions, recognizing that effective family support is best achieved when tailored to the community it serves. Target beneficiaries for these initiatives are families within the District of Columbia, with a particular focus on those who can benefit from enhanced access to resources and services that improve well-being and stability. The impact goals include fostering stronger, more resilient families and communities by addressing multiple aspects of family life. This approach seeks to create a network of support that is easily accessible and responsive to the evolving needs of residents. The program prioritizes non-profit, community-based organizations that can demonstrate their ability to meet identified needs and commit to implementing program measures over the grant period. Eligible organizations include non-profit, private, public, and faith-based entities. Partnerships between organizations are encouraged to facilitate comprehensive service delivery. Expected outcomes include increased access to vital resources, improved family well-being, enhanced community stability, and the development of sustainable, community-led initiatives. Measurable results will likely include metrics related to service utilization, program participation, and indicators of family and community stability and well-being. Funding information indicates that eligible organizations can receive up to $325,000 in the 12-month base year, with the potential for an additional $325,000 per year for up to four option years, for a maximum grant duration of five years. This sustained funding is intended to support the long-term implementation and impact of these place-based family support initiatives. The strategic priority is to invest in local organizations that are deeply embedded within the communities they serve, thereby leveraging existing community strengths and relationships to achieve lasting positive change.