Grant Search Tools and Writing Resources
The California Grants Portal brings together a diverse community of grantseekers, including experienced grant writers and first-time applicants. Per the Grants Information Act of 2018, the Grants Portal provides a centralized location from which to find competitive or first-come grant opportunities from nearly 60 state entities. Each opportunity on the Grants Portal links to the state entity offering the grant, and grantseekers have to apply for a grant from the state entity offering the grant.
A number of visitors to the Grants Portal ask for assistance finding grants that meet their needs, applying for grants, or guidance on writing a winning proposal. In response to such requests, we reached out to state grantmakers and seasoned grant writers to compile a list of resources (from state, federal, and academic sources) to help grantseekers search for and write grants.
California State Agency Resources and Guidance
For tips on using the California Grants Portal to search for grants or subscribing to updates, read our Tips and Resources Blog or check out our FAQ section.
California Libraries Learn (CALL), a collaborative project of the California Library Association and the California State Library, provides continuing education and professional development for California library staff, including support with grant writing or other library topics.
The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation is hosting webinars throughout 2022 to help grantseekers learn about federal grants. Sessions focus on pre-planning steps, such as finding grants that fit, building partnerships, designing projects, and developing effective budgets. The series is presented by Assel Grant Services. Recordings are available for those who cannot attend live sessions.
The California Department of Education wrote an article providing guidance on writing proposals in the field of education.
The California Department of Health Care Services created a list of grants and resources for grant writing in health care fields such as substance abuse and mental health.
Federal Resources and Guidance
Grants.gov, a centralized location for grant seekers to find and apply for federal funding opportunities,” houses over 1,000 federal grants.
- The Community Blog section has a series of blogs with tips on grant writing basics
SAM.gov Assistance Listings (formerly the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) provides detailed descriptions of federal programs, including grants, loans, scholarships, and cooperative agreements. It lists over 2,200 federal assistance programs, including eligibility, funding amounts, and administering agencies.
FedCenter Grants focuses on federal, state, and nonprofit grant opportunities, particularly in environmental protection and research.
College and University Resources and Guidance
Some colleges and universities offer grant writing certificate courses or have resources with information and tips about grant writing. Certificate programs are usually geared toward grantseekers working in nonprofits, education, or other sectors wanting training in grant writing and management. Check with colleges and universities to find a program. Services are often limited to staff, faculty, and students.
- Sacramento State’s Office of Research, Innovation, & Economic Development features a section called Develop a Grant Proposal with grant writing guides from the National Science Foundation and budget template examples.
Check with your college or university’s office of research, scholarships, financial aid, and campus library for more help funding your research.
Local Library Resources and Guidance
Some libraries have lists of grant-related resources available to the public. Check with your local library to learn what programs and services are offered for grant writing.
- The Los Angeles Public Library offers an introductory guide to resources such as a list of databases library card holders can use to take online grant writing.
- The Santa Barbara Library’s Databases and Resources page includes a section called Foundation Center for grant related information.
Avoid Grant Scams
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services gathered information to help you learn more about common grant scam practices and what you can do to protect yourself from scams.
This is not a comprehensive list of grant search and writing resources. In addition to the resources above, there are several grant search engines requiring a paid subscription.
If you have any questions about the California Grants Portal visit our Contact Us page.
Updated on 7/14/26