As the federal grant funding landscape undergoes changes, it’s more important than ever to stay proactive in seeking funding opportunities. Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation will be sharing a regular round-up of non-federal grants for those looking to diversify their funding sources. As a reminder, SPF offers funding search assistance! Please visit our website to explore some of our funding resources, or contact Research Development Support & Marketing Coordinators Cara Peters at cara.peters@humboldt.edu or Kumi Nakadate at kumiye.nakadate@humboldt.edu.

California Ocean Protection Council: Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program - Grants range from $200k to $1.5 million. Proposals are accepted on a rolling, quarterly, basis. This program supports California coastal communities in preparing for sea-level rise through science-based vulnerability assessments and adaptation planning, with a focus on protecting communities, infrastructure, coastal ecosystems, and public access along the California coast and San Francisco Bay. Track 1 is currently open; Track 2’s first competitive round is closed.

Warren Alpert Foundation: General, Medical, and Research Grants - Grants may exceed $25k. Letters of Inquiry are reviewed quarterly, with deadlines of January 10, April 10, July 10, and October 10. Funding primarily supports medical research and medical education, with select grants also available for general education and basic human services. 

Mellon Foundation: Humanities in Place - Grant amounts vary. Funding inquiries are accepted on a rolling basis while this priority is an open call. The Humanities in Place program supports projects that expand whose stories are told through public spaces, deepen understanding of place and history, and elevate the knowledge and experiences of historically overlooked communities. 

William T. Grant Foundation: Institutional Challenge Grant - Each award provides $650k over three years. Applications are due September 9, 2026. The program supports university-based research institutions in strengthening sustained partnerships with public agencies or nonprofit organizations, pursuing collaborative research that reduces inequality among young people ages 5–25, and changing institutional policies and practices to better support the production and use of research evidence. 

CS Fund and Warsh-Mott Legacy: Food Sovereignty Grants - Average grant is $20k. Letters of Intent accepted on a rolling basis. This focus area is grounded in traditional agricultural knowledge and agroecological practices, and focuses on three cornerstones of agrobiodiversity and food system resilience: preserving native and traditional seeds, building healthy and fertile soils, and protecting and restoring the populations and diversity of native pollinators.

Brady Educational Foundation: Research Project and Existing Program Evaluation programs -- 2026 deadline is September 30, 2026. 2027 deadlines include January 30, 2027 and May 20, 2027. Has two application stages - select submissions will be invited for stage 2 applications. Existing Program Evaluation proposals must concern evaluating the effectiveness of programs designed to promote positive cognitive and/or achievement outcomes for children (birth through 18 years) with the goal of informing ways to close the educational opportunity gaps associated with race, ethnicity, and income. See secondary aims in link above. Research Project proposals must inform how to address disparities in educational opportunities associated with race, ethnicity, and/or family income.

The Harris Foundation: General Grants- Awards $10k. Letters of inquiry accepted on a rolling basis. The Harris Foundation envisions making the world a better place for the well-being and safety of plants, animals and human beings. Its Directors support projects that address root causes and develop innovative solutions, with a focus on initiatives that have far-reaching impact and deliver lasting benefits.

The Explorers Club & Fjällräven: Fjällräven Field Grant - Awards $5K. The next application deadline is September 6, 2026. Aims to promote excellence in field exploration through scientific research. This grant supports early-career scientists conducting fieldwork in the natural sciences, enabling exploration and inquiry that deepen understanding of our environment, a changing climate, and the interconnectedness of wildlife and human societies around the world.

NOTE: If you are interested in applying or have any questions, please contact our Pre-Award Specialists Pia Gabriel at pg12@humboldt.edu, Kaz Wegmuller at kaz.wegmuller@humboldt.edu, or Jocelyne Takatsuno at jt366@humboldt.edu 

While exploring alternative funding is valuable, continued engagement with federal grants remains critical - consistent applications help demonstrate the demand for these programs and ensure their ongoing availability. We’re here to help you navigate these funding opportunities and keep research thriving at Cal Poly Humboldt.