California grants for Special district governments

Grant Opportunity: Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) Loan Program Funding Organization: CalRecycle (Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery) Contact Information: - CalRecycle: - Phone: (916) 341-6199 - Email: LAMD@calrecycle.ca.gov - Contact Form: https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Forms/BizAssistance/RMDZInfo/ - Local RMDZ Administrator list: https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/bizassistance/rmdz/zones/contacts Program Intent: The RMDZ Loan Program, administered by CalRecycle, aims to stimulate the use of postconsumer waste materials and secondary waste materials generated in California as raw materials used by private businesses, industries, and commerce. The program supports the circular economy goals of CalRecycle and various legislative initiatives that will increase supplies of recovered materials. Loans are prioritized for projects that fill gaps in California's circular economy and demonstrate innovative reduction, reuse, recycling, or remanufacturing of materials. Eligible Applicants: - Private, for-profit entities - Nonprofit organizations (except private schools) - Local government entities (cities, counties, cities and counties) - Regional or local sanitation agencies, waste agencies, and joint powers authority Eligibility Criteria: - Projects must be located within a CalRecycle designated RMDZ or benefit a local jurisdiction in complying with Public Resources Code section 40051. - Loan applicants must demonstrate the ability to repay the loan. - Loan amount may not exceed $3 million without Director approval. - Collateral is required. - Business and/or personal guarantees may be required based on financial ability to repay. - Significant permits approval is required before loan funding. Use of Funds: Private entities and nonprofit organizations can use loan funds for machinery/equipment, working capital, real estate purchase/leasehold improvements/capital improvements, and refinancing onerous debt. Local government entities can use loan funds for infrastructure and/or capital improvements in support of private entities and nonprofit organizations engaged in value-added processing or manufacturing using recycled materials. Project Eligibility Criteria: Eligible project types include waste prevention, reuse, recycling

This grant provides funding for state and local governments, Native American tribes, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations to improve forest and woodland health, enhance fire resilience, and support ecosystem restoration projects in California.

The Planning and Development Grants, part of the Local Parks Grant Program managed by Parks California, aim to support the initial stages of community-oriented projects that connect local communities to California’s cultural history and natural areas. These projects include building partnerships, artist selection, and developing project plans. This initiative enhances community well-being and sustainable connections. The grant cycle runs from October 2024 to May 2025.

This funding opportunity is designed to support projects that improve forest management and reduce wildfire risks in the Truckee and Donner Summit areas, benefiting local communities and enhancing their preparedness for wildfires.

The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program is a federally funded grant program that allows California to provide local and rural fire departments with minor firefighting, training, communications and safety equipment for their volunteer firefighters. The VFC Program is not intended for major equipment (fire engines, vehicles, etc.) or Capital repairs. The VFC Program has a 50/50 match requirement which means that the applying department must be able to meet the intended grant award, dollar for dollar. Awards for departments are set at a minimum of $500 with a maximum of $20,000. Amounts may be adjusted based on the grant funding available. For additional information please contact Megan Esfandiary at Megan.Esfandiary@fire.ca.gov or Bryan Giambrone at Bryan.Giambrone@fire.ca.gov.

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is offering a Public Green Space Grant Program to cities, counties, special districts, nonprofits, and community-based organizations within its service area. The program aims to provide grant funds for tree-planting projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance local communities. This initiative aligns with the IID's mission to support environmental stewardship and community development through tangible, local impact. The primary beneficiaries of this program are critically underserved or disadvantaged communities within Imperial Valley and Coachella Valley. The program specifically targets community groups that seek to green their areas, thereby addressing the critical need for GHG reduction and community beautification. The impact goals include not only environmental benefits through carbon sequestration but also the creation of greener, more aesthetically pleasing public spaces that can offer recreational benefits to residents. Program priorities favor projects that provide park or recreational benefits to underserved communities, are proposed by such communities, or develop partnerships with local organizations and businesses to strengthen outreach to disadvantaged communities. Additional points are given to projects that offer access to quality jobs, workforce education and training for residents, utilize interagency cooperation, or leverage existing public lands and resources, including schools. Projects that include matching or cost-sharing funds are also prioritized. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through increased tree cover. Beyond environmental benefits, the program aims to foster community engagement and education around green initiatives. The maximum award per project is $35,000, with a total of $350,000 available through IID’s "Tree for All" program. Eligible costs include personnel, contractors, consultants, direct and indirect costs related to tree planting and maintenance during the grant period, and community education and engagement expenses, all contributing to the program's strategic objectives of community greening and climate action.

This funding opportunity is designed to support organizations in Napa County that focus on wildlife conservation, education, and habitat improvement projects, particularly those benefiting school-aged children.

The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District is offering a grant of $100,000 to $500,000 for public agencies and nonprofit organizations to acquire land for the creation or expansion of parks, wildlife corridors, trails, and access facilities, with a focus on high-need, rural, and regional areas.

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) offers the Rubberized Pavement Grant Program, previously known as the Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC) Grant Program. Its primary mission is to foster markets for recycled-content surfacing products derived from waste tires generated within California. This program directly aligns with environmental stewardship and resource recovery objectives, seeking to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts caused by the unlawful disposal and stockpiling of waste tires. By promoting the use of recycled tire rubber in pavement, CalRecycle aims to support a circular economy and reduce waste, contributing to a more sustainable infrastructure development. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include local governments (cities, counties, and cities and counties), other local governmental agencies such as regional park districts, special districts, and Joint Powers Authorities, and qualifying Indian Tribes. State agencies are also eligible, but with specific limitations on projects related to Class 1 bikeways, greenways, and disability access at parks. The impact goals are centered on increasing the use of rubberized pavement, thereby diverting waste tires from landfills and illegal dumps. This also contributes to the longevity of road infrastructure, as RAC roads are proven to last 50% longer than those made with conventional materials. The program's priorities and focuses are clear: to expand the application of rubberized asphalt concrete (RAC) technology. RAC is produced by blending ground tire rubber with asphalt binder, which is then mixed with conventional materials. This process not only addresses waste management but also offers a durable and cost-effective solution for road construction and maintenance. The emphasis is on practical, implementable projects that utilize this recycled content, demonstrating its effectiveness and encouraging widespread adoption across California. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in waste tire stockpiles and illegal dumping, an increase in the number of miles of roads constructed or rehabilitated with RAC, and a corresponding extension of pavement lifespan. The program measures success through the amount of waste tires diverted and the scale of rubberized pavement projects undertaken. By providing financial incentives, CalRecycle strategically promotes a market for recycled tire products, demonstrating a theory of change where economic support drives environmental and infrastructural improvements. The funding structure, with maximum awards ranging from $250,000 for individual applications to $500,000 for qualifying Indian Tribes, is designed to stimulate diverse projects and ensure accessibility for various eligible entities.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and certain public agencies to improve transportation options for seniors and individuals with disabilities in California.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California public agencies for community-based programs focused on mental health, substance use treatment, and reducing recidivism among individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

This program provides funding to eligible public transit agencies in designated urban areas to improve security and resilience against terrorism and other threats through various protective measures and enhancements.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW‐OSPR) is seeking grant applications to help fund projects that enhance, restore, or acquire habitat for wildlife, with available funding totaling $5,000,000. These grant funds come from CDFW-OSPR’s Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF), which acquires funds from spill violations in accordance with California’s Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. The EEF selection committee includes representatives from the California Coastal Conservancy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and CDFW‐OSPR. The selection committee is seeking projects with a minimum requested grant award of $500,000. Projects must be completed by April 1, 2031. Multiple projects may be submitted for funding. Disbursement of money from the grant is contingent on the availability of funds in the EEF. To qualify, an environmental enhancement project must 1. Be located within or immediately adjacent to waters of the state, 2. Have measurable outcomes within a pre-determined timeframe 3. Be designed to acquire, restore, or improve habitat or restore ecosystem function, or both, to benefit fish and wildlife. Eligible Applicants include nonprofit organizations, cities, counties, cities and counties, districts, state agencies, and departments; and, to the extent permitted by federal law, to federal agencies. All eligible groups and projects are encouraged to apply. For more information, please go to www.wildlife.ca.gov/OSPR/Science/Environmental-Enhancement-Fund/About

This funding initiative provides financial support for the development of a floating offshore wind terminal at the Port of Long Beach, aimed at boosting California's renewable energy efforts and creating thousands of jobs in the green sector.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and tribal organizations in California to develop and implement projects focused on native plant conservation and restoration, enhancing ecological resilience and biodiversity.

The U.S. Department of the Interior's WaterSMART Title XVI Program offers financial and technical assistance for the planning, design, and construction of water reclamation and reuse projects, aiming to secure future water supplies, improve efficiency, support underserved communities, and address climate change.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations training electricians in California to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with a focus on increasing access for disadvantaged and rural communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various government entities, nonprofits, and educational institutions for projects that protect and restore California's aquatic resources and ecosystems, particularly benefiting underserved and indigenous communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to individuals, organizations, and businesses looking to improve the community of Rancho Cordova through various projects and programs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to government entities, tribes, and non-profits for projects that improve outdoor recreation access and infrastructure in California, particularly for underserved communities.