The James Irvine Foundation, which was founded 75 years ago in 1937 by successful California agriculture enterprise owners James Irvine, recently approved $14.5 million for programs that benefit residents of the Golden State.

This round of grantmaking is benefitting a number of important causes across the state, including arts programs, California democracy initiatives and Youth projects. Additionally, the foundation allocated dollars to its Exploring Engagement Fun, Civic Engagement works and connected learning programs.

ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career received a $450,000 grant to support linked learning through the foundation's Youth Learning program, which aims to increase low income youth's access to education programs that help them earn a high school diploma on time so they can go on to participate in higher education by the age of 25. This funding in particular will develop a program in San Bernardino County, where students can begin to participate in strong academic programs as well as hand-on learning experiences in various career fields.

Foundations and organizations that provide annual funding might benefit from nonprofit accounting software, which can help board members audit funds and make sure the correct amounts are being distributed to various programs each year.