CalMoneySmart 2026-2028 Grant Program

The CalMoneySmart 2026-2028 Grant Program aims to advance financial empowerment for unbanked and underbanked Californians by investing in nonprofit organizations that deliver free, high-quality financial education and related services. The program will provide grants of up to $200,000 per year to help reduce socioeconomic disparities, improve access to safe and affordable financial products, and promote greater financial security statewide. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The grant funds may only be used for financial education and empowerment services, including designing and offering financial education content, providing individualized financial coaching, and designing and offering financial products or services. • The grant program will provide funding for a two-year period, covering two consecutive fiscal years (2026-27 and 2027-28). • Grant awards will be announced in July 2026. • The program requires grantees to submit quarterly and final annual reports, documenting the specific uses of grant funds, required data elements, and quantitative results regarding the impact of grant funding. • Grantees may use no more than 15 percent of the grant to cover administrative (indirect) costs. • Grant funding may not be used for financial incentives for individuals, such as match funding for savings accounts or participant stipends.