California Private Grants

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's "Growing Together: An LGBTQ Fund" is an initiative established in 2001 to address the needs of the LGBTQI community within San Luis Obispo County. This fund aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support charitable organizations and promote philanthropy by specifically focusing on providing grants and raising community awareness for this often underserved population. The foundation aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment through targeted funding and community engagement efforts, reflecting its strategic priority of addressing critical community needs. The grant program primarily targets 501c3 organizations within San Luis Obispo County that are implementing programs benefiting the LGBTQ+ community. The core beneficiaries include queer and trans people of color (QTPOC), transgender and nonbinary individuals, and LGBTQ+ people in areas lacking affirming community spaces. The overarching impact goals are to reduce discrimination, advance healthcare equity, improve physical and mental health outcomes, and enhance community connectedness and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the county. The fund prioritizes one-year grants for programs that focus on three key areas. First, it seeks to demonstrate strategies to reach out to, involve, and center QTPOC, recognizing the amplified discrimination they face due to intersecting systems of oppression like racism, sexism, and heterosexism. Second, it focuses on advancing medical and mental health care for transgender and nonbinary people, addressing the significant health disparities, stigma, and lack of culturally competent care they encounter. Third, the fund aims to create queer spaces in currently unserved areas of the county, acknowledging the importance of safe community spaces for promoting safety, connectedness, and mental well-being among LGBTQ+ individuals. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in health disparities for QTPOC and transgender/nonbinary people, evidenced by changes in organizational policies and practices, and improved physical and mental health statistics. For queer spaces, outcomes would involve the expansion of resources for local organizations to create physical spaces and the development of new, sustainable support or wellness groups. The foundation's theory of change posits that by supporting initiatives that directly address discrimination, improve access to care, and create affirming community environments, it can contribute to a more equitable, healthy, and connected San Luis Obispo County for its LGBTQ+ residents. The fund's commitment to supporting creative initiatives and strategies that move QTPOC from the margins to the center is a testament to this strategic priority.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government agencies that provide services to enhance the quality of life and independence of seniors aged 60 and older living on the western slope of El Dorado County, California.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community programs in the West Region to support initiatives in conservation, K-12 STEM education, and military and veterans services, benefiting youth and underserved populations.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on improving the well-being of senior citizens in Escondido by addressing issues like elder fraud prevention, social isolation, and access to basic needs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Napa County that deliver essential services to working families and vulnerable populations facing increased needs and reduced public funding.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in El Dorado County for programs and improvements that directly benefit the local veteran community.

This initiative provides financial and technical support to individuals and organizations in Hayward, California, for community-driven projects that promote education, sustainability, economic development, and health.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in Gilroy and surrounding South County areas to support impactful projects in various fields, including education, health, and the environment.

The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP), provided by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), offers funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements. This program is specifically designed for nonprofit organizations in California that are at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission. The grant size ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 with a duration of two years, running from December 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026. The total amount available for solicitation is $76,000,000, with a maximum of $250,000 per location, up to a total of $500,000 per applicant. The primary target beneficiaries are California nonprofit organizations described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and exempt from tax under Section 501(a). This includes organizations such as churches, mosques, and synagogues, which are automatically exempt if they meet 501(c)(3) requirements. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the physical security of these vulnerable organizations, thereby preventing and protecting them against violent attacks and hate crimes. The program seeks to ensure the safety of both facilities and the people within them, including those with access and functional needs, and those with limited English proficiency. The program prioritizes several categories of cost, including Planning, Equipment, Training, Construction/Renovation, Contracted Security, Management and Administration (M&A), and Support Services. Planning activities may include developing security plans, emergency contingency plans, and evacuation plans. Equipment focuses on physical security enhancements like reinforced doors, high-intensity lighting, alarms, inspection systems, and access control. Training is for employees or members to receive on-site security training, addressing specific threats and vulnerabilities. Construction or Renovation is permitted for target hardening, limited to $100,000, and contracted security personnel are allowed but cannot exceed 50% of the requested amount, with the expectation that applicants can sustain this capability without future CSNSGP funding. M&A and Support Services each have a cap of five percent of the funds. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in the physical security posture of participating nonprofit organizations, a reduction in their vulnerability to violent attacks and hate crimes, and enhanced preparedness for emergencies. Measurable results would involve the successful implementation of security enhancements, such as new equipment installations, improved security plans, and trained personnel. The program's strategic priorities align with the foundation's goal of safeguarding communities and promoting a secure environment for organizations that may face threats due to their core identities or missions, thereby contributing to the broader theory of change that targeted security investments can mitigate risks and foster resilience within vulnerable populations.

The San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, a regional government agency, allocates funds for restoring and enhancing wetland and wildlife habitats along the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Grants exceeding $1 million are available for projects lasting up to five years, with a deadline of September 20, 2024. Eligible projects must be located within the nine Bay Area counties—Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma—and align with priorities outlined in Measure AA. These priorities include maximizing positive environmental impacts, ensuring geographic distribution, leveraging additional resources, and benefiting economically disadvantaged communities. The Authority funds various project phases, including planning, construction, and scientific studies, provided they support habitat restoration, flood management, or public access initiatives. Projects must meet specific criteria related to improving water quality, enhancing wildlife habitats, providing flood protection, and improving public access. Eligible applicants include federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, nonprofits, and shoreline parcel owners in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority website.

Friends of Seniors, a fund of the El Dorado Community Foundation, is offering grants totaling up to $15,000 to El Dorado County nonprofits. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to support the well-being, life enrichment, dignity, and independence of seniors (60+) residing on the western slope of El Dorado County. The program's core objective is to empower local organizations in their efforts to enhance the quality of life for this demographic. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are seniors aged 60 and above living on the western slope of El Dorado County. The program's impact goals are centered around fostering their wellness, ensuring life enrichment, upholding their dignity, and promoting their independence. By focusing on these key areas, the El Dorado Community Foundation seeks to address the diverse needs of the senior population in the specified region. The grant program prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to serving seniors in the western slope of El Dorado County. Specifically, it is open to all nonprofits and government agencies meeting this criterion. A notable focus is on ensuring that past grant recipients from 2023 are ineligible to apply again until 2025, promoting a broader distribution of funds among eligible organizations. Expected outcomes include improved quality of life for seniors through various programs and services supported by the grants. Measurable results will likely encompass metrics related to senior engagement in activities, access to support services, and indicators of increased independence and overall well-being. The El Dorado Community Foundation's strategic priority through this fund is to strengthen the local community by directly investing in the senior population, reflecting a theory of change that posits targeted support for nonprofits will lead to tangible improvements in senior welfare.

This fund provides financial support to organizations and individuals to help recruit and retain physicians in Del Norte County, with a focus on medical loan repayment and professional development.

The U.S. Embassy Kyiv's Public Diplomacy Small Grants (PDSG) Program focused on EDUCATION is an open competition seeking applications from Ukrainian non-government, non-profit organizations. The program's core objective, aligned with U.S. Public Diplomacy goals, is to support projects that strengthen Ukraine’s educational system as a vital contributor to the nation's post-war restoration and development. Projects are expected to be administered by Ukrainian NGOs in collaboration with local education counterparts like colleges, universities, and government entities, with collaboration or partnerships with U.S. organizations and the use of U.S. concepts/experts highly encouraged. Preference is explicitly given to proposals that demonstrate clear, sustainable results and strengthen US-Ukraine people-to-people ties or have the potential for lasting engagement between institutions. The primary beneficiaries and key participants are Ukrainian stakeholders in education—those with the ability to shape the sector to address the pragmatic challenges of the post-war recovery period. The specific target audience includes social groups most affected by the war, such as veterans, individuals with disabilities, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), as well as key decision-makers in crisis circumstances. The overarching impact goal is to modernize and expand Ukraine's education system to integrate vulnerable populations and effectively connect the education system to the specific, immediate demands of the labor market for economic recovery and growth. The grant outlines four specific thematic priorities. The first is promoting collaboration between educational institutions, employers, and government to produce a qualified workforce for economic recovery, including the design of dual education programs and new study plans adjusted to employer needs. Second is the development of training and programs for individuals with disabilities, veterans, and IDPs, which may include piloting centers for veterans services and disabilities services at universities, focusing on entrepreneurship and vocational re-training. The third priority is supporting the optimization of the educational system in response to war and reconstruction challenges, ensuring access to high-quality education, and aligning with Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Finally, the fourth priority focuses on developing civic education programs for Ukrainian students and adults to facilitate social cohesion and the reintegration of citizens from occupied territories and those sheltered abroad. The program's theory of change is that by leveraging U.S. expertise and fostering deep, lasting US-Ukraine institutional engagement, the modernization of Ukraine's education system will directly address post-war challenges, drive economic recovery, and facilitate societal stability. The strategic priority is to support the continuity and modernization of Ukrainian education to ensure a qualified workforce and reintegrate its most vulnerable populations. The expected outcomes are measurable and sustainable improvements; consequently, all proposals must include a rigorous monitoring and evaluation plan with clearly defined indicators to ensure the realization of project goals is quantifiable and verifiable.

The Rapid Response Fund for Movement Building in California is seeking proposals from frontline social justice organizations that are empowering low-income residents and people of color. With a focus on addressing the impact of COVID-19 and supporting the Movement for Black Lives, priority will be given to small organizations, new grassroots efforts, projects partnering with local organizations, and those aimed at supporting movement building strategies in the Bay Area.

The Organizational Arts Grant program, a collaborative effort between the Arts Council of Greater Morgantown (ACGM) and Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc. (YCF), aims to bolster the arts community in Monongalia County, West Virginia. This program, formerly known as the "Community Arts Grant program," is funded by the City of Morgantown, the Monongalia County Commission, and the Douglas H. Tanner Memorial Fund for the Arts, with additional funding from other sources also being a possibility. The overarching mission of this grant program is to broaden support for the arts, promote excellence within artistic endeavors, and ensure that a diverse array of arts programs are accessible to the community through various arts and cultural organizations. The grant program targets local non-profit organizations operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that are in good standing and either located within or serving Monongalia County, WV. It explicitly excludes applications from schools, universities, libraries, churches, and hospitals at this time. The ultimate impact goal is to foster a vibrant arts landscape within the county, making art and cultural experiences more widely available and appreciated. Organizations with an arts-based mission, or those executing projects that promote or serve the arts, are the primary beneficiaries. Key priorities for this grant include strengthening the capacity of arts and cultural organizations, fostering artistic excellence, and expanding community engagement with the arts. This aligns with YCF's broader strategic priorities of enhancing community well-being and supporting vital sectors like arts and culture. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial support to eligible non-profit arts organizations, the program will empower them to deliver high-quality and diverse arts programming, which in turn will lead to increased community participation and appreciation for the arts, ultimately enriching the cultural fabric of Monongalia County. Expected outcomes include a broader base of support for the arts, demonstrated through increased participation in arts programs and stronger organizational capacity among grant recipients. Measurable results could include the number of unique individuals served by grant-funded programs, the number of new artistic programs developed, and evidence of organizational growth and stability among recipient organizations. For instance, new organizations (established within the last three years) are limited to a $5,000 maximum award, and organizations without an arts-based mission may apply for project funding up to $5,000, indicating a focus on both supporting new initiatives and specific project-based work within the broader arts community.

The Water Wise Garden Grant, a collaborative effort between Hunter Industries and KidsGardening, aims to support public and charter schools in San Diego County. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of promoting water conservation, water stewardship, and responsible water management through the engaging medium of gardening. By fostering an understanding of these critical environmental concepts at an early age, the grant contributes to the development of environmentally conscious citizens and resilient communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are public and charter elementary schools within San Diego County that serve at least 15 youth. The program specifically targets organizations that support, work with, or serve communities with a majority of under-resourced individuals, defined as those systematically denied resources and opportunities based on factors like race, gender, ethnicity, income level, abilities, or geographic location, or those currently experiencing hardship. The overarching impact goal is to dramatically expand learning opportunities for program participants and to ensure the intended impact reflects the needs of the community, particularly in areas where resources are limited. Funding priorities for the Water Wise Garden Grant are based on demonstrated need and program impact. KidsGardening prioritizes organizations affected by multiple socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors, as well as those with limited access to consistent and substantial monetary support or prior grant funding. Furthermore, organizations working with greater than 50 youth are given priority, indicating a focus on maximizing reach and educational impact. The grant also emphasizes the importance of using funds to install new or improve existing youth gardens, ensuring tangible and sustainable educational environments. The expected outcomes include enhanced learning opportunities for students regarding water conservation and sustainable gardening practices. Measurable results for 2025 will see five elementary schools in San Diego County each awarded $1,000 in funding, coupled with an irrigation supply kit valued at $500. This combination of financial support and practical resources is designed to facilitate the creation or enhancement of gardens that serve as living classrooms, fostering hands-on learning and practical application of water-wise principles. The theory of change underpinning this grant posits that by investing in youth garden programs within under-resourced communities, children will develop a deeper appreciation for environmental sustainability and become advocates for responsible water management.

This grant provides funding to public libraries and nonprofit friends groups to create innovative cultural programs that engage and support immigrant communities across the United States.

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 supports local nonprofit organizations in Long Beach, California, to lead a one-day volunteer project that beautifies the exterior of their facilities, enhancing community spaces through visible improvements.

Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program Our Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program extends our mission by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations that actively work towards improving and preserving outdoor environments. The grants focus on: Community Gardens: Creating, rehabilitating, and enhancing community gardens that provide educational opportunities and serve community needs. Neighborhood and School Beautification: Beautifying and enriching outdoor environments in economically disadvantaged areas, particularly around neighborhoods and schools. Parks and Greenspaces: Revitalizing parks and public greenspaces through planting and the addition or upgrading of efficient irrigation systems. Sustainable Impact: Projects that align with Toro's purpose of enriching the beauty, productivity, and sustainability of the land, impacting beautification, and increasing the utilization of public greenspaces. Community Engagement: Encouraging broad community involvement in project design and implementation, ensuring tangible and sustainable results. Eligibility Location: The benefiting organization must be located within 40 miles of a Toro Company location in the following cities: Arkansas: Batesville California: El Cajon, Riverside Florida: Sanford Michigan: Iron Mountain Nebraska: Beatrice Texas: El Paso, Abilene Wisconsin: Lake Mills The grant program seeks to empower communities to create and maintain beautiful, sustainable, and functional outdoor spaces, emphasizing those in need. Through these grants, The Toro Company continues to build on its long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities where our employees live and work.