Tribal Capacity Building Program

The Tribal Capacity Building Program is administered by the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) as part of the Community Assistance for Climate Equity Program. It is funded through California Climate Investments, which allocates cap-and-invest dollars toward projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, and support sustainable economic development. This program is specifically designed to address the unique governmental status and historical context of California Native American Tribes by offering a dedicated funding stream to strengthen Tribal capacity in climate and housing initiatives. The program builds on prior engagement with Tribal communities, including consultations, workshops, and public comment periods, to ensure responsiveness to Tribal needs. The primary purpose of the program is to enhance Tribal staff capacity to plan, fund, and implement climate mitigation, adaptation, resilience, and housing-related projects. The program emphasizes long-term sustainability by supporting Tribes in developing internal expertise, strengthening organizational systems, and improving access to funding opportunities. In addition to financial support, the program provides extensive technical assistance through a third-party provider, including grant writing, project planning, implementation support, and peer learning opportunities among participating Tribes. Funding is available on a competitive basis, with an estimated total program allocation of 5,000,000 dollars. Individual awards range from 350,000 to 420,000 dollars over a three-year grant term. Funds may be used for a variety of capacity-building activities, including staff salaries, training participation, planning and analysis, partnership development, organizational improvements, and implementation of climate and housing initiatives. Eligible costs also include travel, software and tools, engagement events, and consultant services, provided they directly support capacity building. However, funds cannot be used for construction, lobbying, or expenses incurred outside the grant term. Eligible applicants include California Native American Tribes listed on the Native American Heritage Commission Contact List as of February 2026, including both federally recognized and non-federally recognized Tribes. Non-federally recognized Tribes must be registered with the California Secretary of State as a nonprofit, for-profit corporation, or limited liability company. Tribally Designated Housing Entities listed in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development directory are also eligible. The program requires applicants to demonstrate capacity-building needs, propose activities aligned with program objectives, and provide a Tribal leadership authorization letter. The application process requires submission through the Submittable platform. Applicants must provide a point of contact, narrative responses detailing their vision and capacity-building needs, a budget proposal using a provided template, and a formal authorization from Tribal leadership. Applications are evaluated based on four primary criteria: introduction and vision, capacity-building need, program activities, and budget and timeline. Top-scoring applicants may be invited to participate in interviews, which allow reviewers to clarify application details and assess alignment with program goals. The application timeline begins with the Notice of Funding Availability released on May 11, 2026. Applications are due by August 11, 2026 at 5 p.m. PT. Additional support is provided through an application workshop and biweekly office hours during the application period. Following submission, applications undergo review and scoring during summer and fall 2026, with finalist interviews conducted in fall 2026. Award recommendations are expected to be presented later in 2026, and grant agreements are anticipated to begin in early 2027. The program is expected to recur as part of ongoing state investment in Tribal capacity building. The performance period for awarded grants is 36 months, during which grantees must complete required activities, submit regular reports, and collaborate with the technical assistance provider. The program also emphasizes accountability and transparency, requiring adherence to reporting standards and compliance with state regulations. Overall, the Tribal Capacity Building Program aims to create lasting institutional capacity within Tribal governments to advance climate resilience and housing development efforts.

Align application with capacity building needs and clearly demonstrate how proposed activities support long-term Tribal climate and housing goals; ensure budget aligns with eligible costs and program objectives