Route to Parks Grant

The Route to Parks Grant Program is administered by Parks California in partnership with California State Parks as part of a broader public-private collaboration aimed at increasing equitable access to outdoor recreation. Launched in 2020, the program supports initiatives that reduce barriers to accessing California’s state parks, particularly for underserved and historically marginalized communities. It aligns with the California Natural Resources Agency’s Outdoors for All initiative and is supported by the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Waterway Connections Initiative as well as private philanthropic funding. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund community-based programs that enable individuals from underserved populations to visit and experience California’s state parks. A significant focus is placed on overcoming transportation barriers, which are identified as a key obstacle preventing equitable park access. Funded projects are expected to provide recreational, environmental, cultural, or historical learning experiences, with the majority of activities taking place within California State Parks. The program emphasizes meaningful engagement with nature and aims to foster long-term connections between participants and public lands. Eligible applicants include a range of community and tribal organizations, including nonprofit organizations, Native American tribes (recognized or not), local government agencies, and fiscally sponsored community groups. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to serving underserved communities and must coordinate with California State Parks staff prior to submitting an application. This coordination is mandatory and requires applicants to provide contact details of the State Parks personnel with whom they have discussed their proposed projects. For the 2027 cycle, Parks California anticipates awarding approximately 35 grants totaling around $1.1 million, with individual awards averaging between $25,000 and $30,000. Projects are expected to begin on January 1, 2027, and conclude by December 31, 2027. While there is no stated matching requirement, applicants must submit a detailed budget outlining how funds will be used and may include additional funding sources. Allowable uses generally include transportation, program delivery, and participant engagement activities that facilitate park access. The application process requires submission through an online grants portal and includes multiple components such as organizational background, project summary, detailed program design, participant outcomes, budget documentation, and coordination details with State Parks. Applicants must also outline how they will measure participant outcomes and describe their target communities. Additional requirements include proof of insurance upon award and participant photo release compliance. Optional participation in informational webinars and office hours is encouraged but not required. Applications for the 2027 cycle are due by July 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Prior to submission, applicants are strongly encouraged to engage early with park staff due to seasonal workload constraints. Parks California also offers informational sessions and office hours throughout June and July to support applicants. The program is recurring annually, and since its inception, it has awarded over 150 grants totaling more than $4.2 million, serving over 28,000 participants, many of whom visited a state park for the first time through this initiative.

Strongly align project with State Parks priorities emphasize transportation access and underserved communities include multiple park visits and demonstrate measurable participant outcomes