Local Opportunity Zone Benefits Grants

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote recreation, tourism, and environmental education while preserving the Delta's cultural heritage, with a focus on benefiting disadvantaged communities.

This program provides matching funds to small, locally owned businesses and property owners in Virginia Beach for significant exterior improvements to enhance the visual appeal of commercial and industrial properties.

The Conservancy may fund activities within or benefitting the Delta and Suisun Marsh as defined in Public Resources Code section 85058 (a map can be found at this link: https://www.deltacouncil.ca.gov/pdf/delta-plan/figure-1-1-delta-boundaries.pdf). The Conservancy may fund an action outside the Delta and Suisun Marsh if the Board makes all the findings described in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009 (CWC, div. 35, §§ 85000 – 85350). The Conservancy will fund planning projects, which include pilot projects. Allowable activities for planning projects include, but are not limited to, project scoping (partnership development, outreach to impacted parties, stakeholder coordination, negotiation of site access or land tenure); planning and design (engineering design, identifying appropriate best management practices); and environmental compliance (permitting, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) activities, Delta Plan consistency). The Conservancy will fund implementation projects, which include acquisition projects. Implementation projects are specific, on-the-ground projects that result in the construction, improvement, or acquisition of a capital asset that will be maintained for a minimum of 15 years. Implementation projects are "shovel-ready" projects. Applicants must submit a concept proposal, as found on the Conservancy’s website, before submitting a full proposal. Partnerships are encouraged but not required. There are no limitations on number of submissions by organizations. Applications are received via email for concept proposals and by uploading files to a designated site for full proposals. Awards are announced at a Board Meeting and applicants are informed with a letter.

The City of Charleston’s Accommodations Tax (A-Tax) Grant Program aims to positively impact tourism within the City of Charleston by funding projects from non-profit organizations. This program is supported by the 2% lodging tax imposed by the State of South Carolina. The program's mission aligns with enhancing the city's appeal as a tourist destination, thereby contributing to the local economy and cultural vibrancy. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are non-profit organizations that can propose projects related to tourism. The ultimate impact goal is to strengthen Charleston's tourism sector by supporting activities and services that attract and cater to visitors. This includes a broad range of initiatives designed to improve the tourist experience and promote the city's unique attractions. The program prioritizes activities directly related to tourism. These include advertising and promotion to draw more visitors, supporting arts and cultural events that showcase the city's heritage, and maintaining facilities crucial for civic and cultural activities. Additionally, the grant focuses on enhancing health, safety, and public services for tourists, providing essential transportation shuttles, and operating visitor information centers. Addressing waterfront erosion control and repair is also a key area of focus, highlighting the program's commitment to preserving the city's natural and historical assets. Expected outcomes include an increase in tourist numbers, greater engagement with local arts and culture, improved public services for visitors, and better-maintained tourist infrastructure. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on "positively impacting tourism" suggests that success would be measured by indicators such as visitor satisfaction, event attendance, and the overall economic contribution of tourism. Personnel costs and items normally provided by the county or municipality are ineligible for funding, ensuring the grants support new or supplementary tourism-focused initiatives.

This funding furthers the purposes of the Conservancy’s mission, enabling legislation Public Resources Code, Division 22.9, Sections 32630 et al. (“the San Diego River Conservancy Act”), the Conservancy’s Strategic Plan Update 2018-2023, and other state approved priorities and plans.

This funding opportunity supports public agencies, tribes, and nonprofit organizations in California to restore coastal environments, improve public access, and enhance climate resilience, particularly for historically underrepresented communities.