Capacity-building initiative to award at least 12 sub-grants from $10,000 to $20,000
Media Contact: Juliet V. Casey, jcasey@losmedaonos.edu, (925) 473-7322
Grant coordinator: La’Cole Martin, nonprofitcapacity@losmedanos.edu
Pittsburg, Calif. – Los Medanos College (LMC), in partnership with the Antioch Chamber of Commerce,
today opened the 2026 request for proposals for the East Contra Costa County Nonprofit Capacity Building Initiative, a public-private partnership intended to strengthen nonprofits and community leadership
in the region. The funding opportunity comes as local nonprofits face growing demand
while receiving fewer resources than their counterparts in neighboring Bay Area counties.
The initiative this year provides $240,000 in sub-grants to support the organizational capacity for local nonprofits, including projects to improve organizational effectiveness, sustainability, leadership, infrastructure and paid internships that build the workforce pipeline. Depending on applications, the initiative may award at least 12 sub-grants of $10,000 to $20,000.
Application portal opens Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for this funding may attend an applicant information session. Sessions will be held at noon on Sept. 10 and at 5 p.m. on Sept. 15. Session details and registration available on the application portal.
Application deadline is Sunday, Oct. 18. LMC will announce awards the first week of November, and the grant performance period will be January through December 2027.
The initiative serves the communities of Antioch, Bay Point, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, Oakley, and Pittsburg, connecting nonprofits to practical tools, educational opportunities, and strategic resources that build long-term sustainability and community impact.
“This funding represents an opportunity to improve outcomes for East County residents, and build a resilient regional economy," LMC President Pamela Ralston said. “We are eager to put this investment into action to support the nonprofit sector, which is vital to ensuring a sustainable future for our community.”
With a $1 million investment from Contra Costa County Measure X (2020), the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors selected Los Medanos College to lead this regional effort with the Antioch Chamber of Commerce to strengthen the nonprofit sector and develop the next generation of nonprofit leaders.
About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.