Transformative Climate Communities - Project Development Grant

The Transformative Climate Communities Program Project Development Grant is administered by the California Strategic Growth Council in partnership with the California Department of Conservation. The program is designed to support community-led climate initiatives that advance environmental, economic, and public health outcomes in California’s most disadvantaged communities. Funded through the Climate Bond, the program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening local resilience and preparing communities for long-term climate investments. Project Development Grants serve as a critical bridge between early-stage planning and full-scale implementation. These grants are intended for communities that have already completed initial planning efforts and identified priority projects but require additional resources to advance those projects toward readiness for implementation funding. The grant supports pre-development activities that refine project concepts, assess feasibility, and build the technical and organizational capacity necessary to successfully execute large-scale climate initiatives. Eligible activities include a wide range of pre-development efforts such as feasibility studies, environmental assessments, site planning, permitting, remediation, and financial planning. The program also supports pilot or demonstration projects designed to test the viability of proposed solutions before scaling. In addition, applicants may fund capacity-building efforts, including staff training, partnership development, and access to technical assistance. Community engagement is a required component, and applicants must demonstrate how proposed activities will strengthen climate adaptation and resilience within the project area. The grant provides funding of up to $5 million per award, with a grant term of two years. Unlike the Implementation Grant, Project Development Grants do not require leverage or matching funds. However, applicants must demonstrate alignment with prior planning efforts and explain how their proposed activities advance the program’s objectives, including greenhouse gas reduction, improved public health, and expanded economic opportunity. Applications must also be consistent with state planning priorities related to equity, environmental protection, and economic strength. Eligibility requirements include California-based entities such as public agencies, nonprofit organizations, tribes, utilities, and special districts. Applications must include a Lead Applicant and at least two Co-Applicants, and applicants are required to establish a collaborative governance structure that includes community participation. The proposed project area must meet disadvantaged community criteria and demonstrate readiness for coordinated project development activities. The application process for Round 6 follows a defined timeline. Applications opened on May 29, 2026, with final submissions due on September 30, 2026. Unlike Implementation Grants, there are no pre-proposal requirements specific to Project Development Grants. Applications are reviewed during Winter 2026–2027, and final award decisions are expected in Spring 2027. Applicants must submit materials through the designated online platform and provide detailed documentation outlining project scope, partnerships, and anticipated outcomes. Overall, the Project Development Grant provides essential support for communities transitioning from planning to implementation. By funding technical preparation, feasibility analysis, and partnership development, the program helps ensure that community-prioritized projects are fully developed, financially viable, and ready to compete for future large-scale implementation funding opportunities.

Focus on demonstrating clear linkage to prior planning efforts and readiness for implementation; prioritize feasibility, strong partnerships, and climate resilience outcomes