Grants and scholarships: money for programs, and money for families
Much of what makes youth programming free in Los Angeles is philanthropic, not governmental. Foundations fund the providers, and a smaller set of scholarships goes directly to families.
- LA84 Foundation
- Small grants open year-round; Fall 2026 large grants totalled $1.78M
- LA2050
- Up to $75,000
- California Black Freedom Fund
- $4.6M to 119 organisations in 2026; 95% unrestricted
- Ready to Rise
- $50,000–$200,000 a year for Black and Brown youth diversion work
- Lakers Youth Foundation
- $1,000–$20,000, quarterly
- Invitation-only
- Weingart, Ballmer, Annenberg, Dodgers Foundation
Grants for LA youth and afterschool programs
LA84 is the most accessible starting point — small grants are open year-round rather than on an annual cycle. LA County Arts and Culture runs both an Organizational Grant Program and smaller CIAG awards from about $1,550 to $6,700 aimed at non-arts nonprofits doing arts work.
For Black-led organisations specifically: the California Black Freedom Fund, the California Community Foundation's Black Empowerment Fund and BLOOM, the Black Equity Collective, and Ready to Rise. Several of these give unrestricted money, which is rare and worth prioritising.
Weingart, Ballmer, Annenberg and the Dodgers Foundation are invitation-only. Do not spend your time on unsolicited applications there.
Scholarships for Black families in Los Angeles
Alpha Kappa Alpha's Alpha Gamma Omega chapter awards $500 to $1,000. The Jack and Jill Foundation awards $2,500 through UNCF. First AME Santa Monica and Kappa Alpha Psi's LA chapter also award scholarships.
These chapters also run their own youth programs, which is why several of them appear as listings in this directory rather than only as funders.
Grants and scholarships FAQs
- What grants can a small Black-led youth program in LA apply for?
- LA84 Foundation small grants are open year-round and are the most accessible entry point. The California Black Freedom Fund, CCF's Black Empowerment Fund and BLOOM, Black Equity Collective, Ready to Rise and the Lakers Youth Foundation all fund Black-led youth work. Weingart, Ballmer, Annenberg and the Dodgers Foundation are invitation-only.
- Are there scholarships for Black families in Los Angeles?
- Yes. AKA's Alpha Gamma Omega chapter awards $500–$1,000, the Jack and Jill Foundation awards $2,500 through UNCF, and First AME Santa Monica and Kappa Alpha Psi's LA chapter both award scholarships.
Facts on this page were verified 2026-09-12. Districts change operators mid-year and charters change their amounts — confirm with the agency before you plan around anything here.