California Grants

This funding program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and business entities for hosting high-profile community events in Alameda that require special permits and city services.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara County that enhance access to high-quality performing arts programming, particularly for low-income and marginalized communities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in California that are undertaking capital projects related to health, education, and community development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local non-profit organizations and public entities for free cultural and artistic events in Alameda, including performances, festivals, and educational programs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to schools, universities, and local agencies for projects that improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and access near schools in South Coast communities of Santa Barbara County.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and tribal governments providing services in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, as well as tribal entities nationwide, focusing on impactful community programs.

This funding initiative provides technical assistance and support to organizations that help high-barrier populations, such as youth, veterans, and justice-involved individuals, improve their workforce readiness and economic mobility in California.

This program provides funding for the development and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing projects aimed at low-income and vulnerable populations, including homeless individuals, large families, seniors, and farmworkers in California.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that promote sustainable business practices and workforce development in California, particularly benefiting low-income communities and contributing to climate change mitigation.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that enhance community well-being in the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, California, and Nevada.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Napa County that promote arts, culture, and heritage, aiming to enhance community engagement and attract tourism.

This program provides financial assistance to local businesses affected by construction disruptions along West Grand Avenue in Grover Beach, helping them maintain operations during the improvements.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in San Diego to implement clean energy projects that promote sustainability, improve air quality, and enhance workforce development in disadvantaged communities.

This program provides competitive funding to support the development of community food hubs in California, promoting local, sustainable food sourcing for schools and institutions while fostering equitable food systems and supporting indigenous communities.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Livermore Valley for projects that support underserved populations, including youth, veterans, and seniors, while promoting diversity and sustainable improvements in the area.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and individual artists in San Leandro for artistic and cultural projects that enhance community engagement and celebrate local culture.

This fellowship provides early-career journalists in California with a paid opportunity to strengthen local reporting, particularly in underserved communities, over a two-year period.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Riverside and San Bernardino counties that are dedicated to improving the lives of Latinos through initiatives in areas like affordable housing, education, and health equity.

This program provides funding to local schools and non-profits in North County to support projects that improve community welfare in areas such as health, wellness, and youth enrichment.

The After School Education and Safety (ASES) Universal Grant is administered by the California Department of Education (CDE) through its Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) and supports after school programs across the state. The program was established via Proposition 49 in 2002 and is legislated through California Education Code sections 8482 through 8484.65. ASES aims to promote academic enrichment and safe, structured activities for students in kindergarten through ninth grade during non-school hours. The funding supports programs that incorporate literacy and educational enrichment while providing a safe environment conducive to learning and development. Applicants include both new organizations and existing grantees seeking to add sites or increase funding for current programs. The program seeks to foster partnerships between schools and community-based organizations, public agencies, and other stakeholders. It encourages collaboration among parents, youth, educators, law enforcement, and local nonprofits. Programs funded by ASES must offer a minimum of 15 hours of services per week, begin immediately after the school day ends, and remain open until at least 6 p.m. each school day. Required program components include a literacy and academic element and an enrichment element, both aligned with state standards and tailored to after school settings. Services may include tutoring, computer training, arts education, physical fitness, career readiness, and substance abuse prevention, among others. Eligibility is open to local educational agencies (LEAs), city or county governments, and nonprofit organizations in partnership with an LEA. High schools, umbrella organizations, and programs solely requesting before-school or summer funding are ineligible. Currently funded grantees may only apply for increased funding or to add new sites, provided they meet all reporting and compliance requirements. Maximum awards are capped at $152,612.13 for elementary schools and $203,482.84 for middle schools, with potential adjustments for large schools using a formula defined by state statute. Programs must also contribute a local match equal to one-third of the total grant, either in cash or in-kind, excluding facilities as more than 25% of the match. Applications must be submitted electronically via the ASSIST system by February 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Required forms include a cover page, narrative for new applicants, co-applicant information (if applicable), authorized signatures, assurances, and site approvals. Applications that fail to meet the formatting or deadline requirements will be disqualified. Notifications of disqualification will be issued in March 2026, followed by the Intent to Award list in April and final awards shortly thereafter. Each school site is evaluated independently based on its percentage of students eligible for Free and Reduced-Priced Meals (FRPM), using data from the CALPADS system. Selected programs will enter a three-year renewable funding period, contingent on continued compliance and available funding. Grantees must submit quarterly expenditure and biannual attendance reports via ASSIST, maintain auditable records for five years, and participate in CDE-led evaluations and audits. Programs are also expected to implement a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process aligned with CDE guidance. ASES ensures that no less than 85% of funds are allocated to direct services for students, with no more than 15% permitted for administrative costs, including indirect expenses. Technical assistance is available through a network of regional support providers coordinated by EXLD. Additional resources, including detailed application instructions and the Program Plan Guide, can be found on the CDE website. Program contacts include the EXLD team via [email protected] or phone at 916-319-0923. Appeals of disqualifications must be submitted electronically within 10 calendar days of notification and must include an original signature and justification based on the application review standards.