CalMoneySmart Grants for Nonprofit Financial Education Organizations

CA DFPI Press Releases

Published March 30th, 2026

Detected March 31st, 2026

Summary

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation announced $3.2 million in CalMoneySmart grant funding available for the 2026-2028 cycle to nonprofit organizations providing free financial education and empowerment services to California residents. Applications must be submitted by April 27, 2026, with maximum awards of $200,000 per fiscal year per grantee.

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What changed

The DFPI has opened the application period for the 2026-2028 CalMoneySmart grant program, making $3.2 million available to California nonprofits that provide free financial education, coaching, and services to help consumers access lower-cost financial products, establish or improve credit, increase savings, or reduce debt. The program, now in its sixth year, has awarded approximately $11 million to 44 nonprofit organizations serving 35 counties since inception.

Nonprofit organizations interested in receiving grant funding must submit applications by April 27, 2026 through the DFPI grants portal. Eligible nonprofits must be in good standing in California, and grant funds may only be used for approved financial empowerment activities. Each grantee may receive up to $200,000 per fiscal year. This is an informational announcement about grant availability and does not create compliance obligations for regulated entities.

What to do next

Submit CalMoneySmart grant application by April 27, 2026 if your nonprofit provides qualifying financial education services
Ensure nonprofit organization status is active and in good standing with California before applying
Review allowable uses of grant funds: free financial education, coaching, and financial products focused on credit, savings, and debt reduction

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March 30, 2026 What You Need to Know: $3.2 million dollars in grant funding is available to help organizations provide free financial education and empowerment programs to Californians.

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) announced that $3.2 million in grants is available through the 2026–2028 CalMoneySmart program for nonprofit organizations that provide free financial empowerment services to California residents.

To be eligible to receive a grant, an applicant must be a nonprofit organization with good standing in California. Grant funds may only be used for:

Free financial education and empowerment content (classroom or web-based) to help consumers access lower-cost financial products and services, establish or improve their credit, increase savings, or reduce debt.
Free individualized financial coaching.
Free financial products or services intended to help consumers establish or improve credit, increase savings, or lower their debt. The maximum amount that can be awarded to a grantee each fiscal year is $200,000. The deadline to apply for a grant is April 27, 2026.

Now in its sixth year, the CalMoneySmart program was established in 2019 when Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 455 (Bradford) to support community-based organizations that provide free financial education and empowerment programs to the most vulnerable unbanked and underbanked consumers.

Since its inception, CalMoneySmart has awarded:

Approximately $11 million to 44 nonprofit organizations collectively serving 35 counties statewide.
Free services to more than 60,000 individuals, including financial education, financial counseling, and access to financial products. Annual reports from previous funding cycles and other resources are available on the DFPI’s CalMoneySmart webpage.

For questions or assistance, applicants may contact [email protected].

About DFPI

The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation protects consumers, regulates financial services, and fosters responsible innovation. DFPI protects consumers by establishing and enforcing financial regulations that promote transparency and accountability. We empower all Californians to access a fair and equitable financial marketplace through education and by helping to prevent potential risks, fraud, and abuse. Learn more at dfpi.ca.gov.