Grants for Youth Programs in California
Last updated October 10, 2026
There are 9 active grants for youth programs tagged to California, part of 3,660 active grants for youth programs listed nationwide. Updated daily.
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| ★ | Grant |
|---|---|
| Youth Community Access Grant Program (Round 4) CA Natural Resources Agency · State Nov 4, 2026 · $3M – $30M YCA Grants will fund projects that serve youth from low-income and disadvantaged communities and provide immersive and meaningful experiences with natural or cultural resources within California that participants otherwise would not have. | |
| Anderson Children's Foundation Grants Anderson Childrens Foundation · Foundation ~April · Varies The Anderson Children's Foundation funds nonprofit programs serving children and youth in the Coachella Valley of California (health, education, recreation, arts). | |
| Alice Tweed Tuohy Foundation Capital Improvement Grant Alice Tweed Tuohy Foundation · Foundation ~September · ~$1.5M-$2M total awarded across ~35 grants/year The Alice Tweed Tuohy Foundation makes about 35 grants a year totaling approximately $1.5-2 million for capital improvements by 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in South Santa Barbara County, California (from Carpinteria, Summerland, and… | |
| Algalita Wayfinder Society Mini-Grants Algalita Marine Research and Education · Foundation Not published · From $15K Algalita Marine Research and Education, through its Wayfinder Society program, awards annual mini-grants for projects tackling plastic pollution and related environmental issues. | |
| Community Foundation for Oak Park General Fund Grants Community Foundation for Oak Park · Foundation Rolling · Up to $500 The Community Foundation for Oak Park (California) issues grants from its general fund and its special funds; general fund grants 'are usually $500 or less' because the general fund must also support Foundation operations. | |
| Lunch at the Library Summer 2027 CA State Library · State Not published · Varies Funds and support are available for all California public libraries that help to provide USDA summer meals for children and youth. | |
| Bothin Foundation Capital Grants Bothin Foundation · Foundation Not published · $5K – $50K Durable capital grants ($5,000-$50,000; $50,000 max) to direct-service nonprofits in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and San Mateo counties serving >=50% disadvantaged children/youth (0-24), low-income families with children, and/or people… | |
| KidsPlay Youth Activity Funding Assistance (Community Foundation of Orange) Community Foundation of Orange · Foundation Rolling · Up to $250 'Created by the Community Foundation of Orange in 2007, KidsPlay ensures that no child is left on the sidelines' by providing access to youth sports, visual and performing arts, and enrichment programs. 'KidsPlay currently supports… | |
| Avery-Fuller-Welch Treatment and Therapy Grants Avery-Fuller-Welch Childrens Foundation · Foundation Not published · Varies Grants to nonprofits administering restorative/remedial therapy for children (<=21) from low-income families in five program areas: speech therapy (incl. devices), psychotherapy, remedial education, physical/occupational therapy (incl.… |
Showing 1–9 of 9
About grants for youth programs in California
Grants for youth programs support after-school, summer learning, mentoring, recreation, and enrichment activities for young people. Federal funding flows largely through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program (administered by state education agencies under the U.S. Department of Education's ESSA) and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), while private funders such as the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation back youth development nationwide. Local community foundations, United Way chapters, and corporate giving programs round out the field.
Grants for Youth Programs in other states
Other grant categories in California
Frequently Asked Questions
What grants are available for youth programs?
Funding ranges from federal formula and competitive grants for after-school and summer learning, to foundation grants for mentoring, recreation, and enrichment, to small corporate and community-foundation awards. The largest dedicated federal source is the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which supports academic enrichment during out-of-school time at high-poverty schools and community organizations. OJJDP also funds mentoring, delinquency prevention, and youth intervention programs.
Who funds youth programs?
Funders include federal agencies (the U.S. Department of Education through 21st CCLC and OJJDP within the Department of Justice), national foundations such as the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the Wallace Foundation, and corporate philanthropy. Community foundations and local United Way chapters are often the most accessible sources for grassroots youth organizations.
Who is eligible to apply for youth program grants?
Eligibility varies by funder. Federal programs like 21st CCLC typically require schools, districts, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, or parks and recreation departments to apply, often in partnership. Most foundation grants require 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or a fiscal sponsor. Review each funder's guidelines for geographic focus, target age groups, and program-type restrictions before applying.
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