California Environment Grants

The T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation's Major Grant Program is designed to address significant agency capital needs that exceed the scope of their Regular Grants. This program aims to make substantial contributions towards tangible and enduring capital needs, which include supporting new services, sustainably expanding existing services, or replacing/renovating deteriorated capital assets. The foundation's underlying mission is to support purposes outlined in section A.4 of their Regular Grants Guidelines, ensuring that at least 50% of the applicant organization's services align with these foundational objectives. The target beneficiaries of this program are organizations that provide services consistent with the Foundation's purposes, with a clear focus on those requiring capital improvements to enhance or expand their offerings. The impact goals are centered around enabling these organizations to make a significant, lasting difference through improved infrastructure or expanded capabilities. This could involve creating new service capacities, bolstering existing ones, or modernizing essential assets to ensure long-term viability and effectiveness. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate a clear service need relevant to the Foundation's overall mission. A key focus is on the significance of the requested grant in effectively meeting this identified need, emphasizing that the funding should contribute meaningfully to the proposed capital project. Furthermore, the maturity and thoroughness of the planning underlying both the planned service and the grant request are critical judging criteria, indicating a preference for well-thought-out and sustainable initiatives. While the initial "Size of the Grant" mentioned is $10,000 to $100,000, "Funding Information" specifies that Major Grants are limited to a maximum of $50,000.00. The expected outcomes include the successful implementation of capital projects that have a useful life of at least five years, leading to enhanced or new services for beneficiaries. Measurable results would stem from the tangible improvements in an organization's capacity, such as increased client reach, improved service delivery, or the establishment of a vital new community resource. The Foundation's strategic priorities are to facilitate significant, enduring capital improvements that align with their established guidelines and demonstrate strong planning and impact potential.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in specific California counties to improve educational outcomes for boys and men of color by enhancing access to post-secondary education and addressing systemic barriers.

This grant provides funding for projects that improve wildlife and fish passage by constructing or modifying infrastructure, restoring habitats, and removing barriers, particularly in areas affected by drought.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local non-profits and school groups for projects that promote environmental sustainability, such as water conservation, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and educational initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations to enhance cultural and natural resource management at a major Marine Corps training facility in California, focusing on archaeological collections and wildlife protection programs.

This grant provides funding for projects that improve park facilities and recreational access while addressing climate change, with a focus on benefiting economically disadvantaged communities.

The SB 1 Grant Program offers funding to local, regional, and tribal governments for planning and implementing projects to adapt to sea level rise and climate change impacts, with additional technical assistance available for those representing Environmental Justice communities.

The **California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)** administers the **Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Grant Program** to help local governments develop and operate safe, effective systems for managing household hazardous waste. This program provides financial assistance to improve public health and environmental protection by reducing the improper disposal of hazardous materials such as paints, batteries, solvents, and cleaning agents. Through funding and technical support, CalRecycle enables communities across California to expand their waste prevention, recycling, and education efforts in ways that make long-term environmental stewardship more sustainable. Each year, approximately **$1.5 million** is allocated to this program, depending on available state funding. The grants support a wide range of activities related to household hazardous waste management. Eligible projects may include **public education campaigns** that teach residents how to reduce or safely dispose of hazardous materials; **source reduction programs** that minimize waste generation at its origin; **reuse and recycling initiatives** that recover valuable resources from discarded items; and **collection systems**, such as drop-off facilities and mobile collection events. Funding can also support **load-check programs**, which prevent hazardous materials from entering municipal solid waste streams. Eligibility is limited to **local governments and entities directly responsible for HHW management** in California. This includes cities, counties, and combined city-county jurisdictions, as well as **regional or local sanitation and waste management agencies**. **Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs)** with solid or hazardous waste management responsibilities may also apply. In addition, **Qualifying Tribal Entities** are eligible if they are federally recognized or can demonstrate governmental authority consistent with the program’s requirements. The inclusion of tribal governments reflects CalRecycle’s commitment to equitable access and environmental justice throughout the state. The HHW Grant Program is an integral part of California’s broader environmental protection strategy, ensuring that hazardous materials are managed responsibly and that communities have the infrastructure needed to prevent pollution. Funded programs often enhance collaboration among local jurisdictions and provide residents with greater access to safe disposal and recycling options. By investing in education, prevention, and infrastructure, CalRecycle helps localities meet their sustainability goals while protecting natural resources, public health, and community well-being. Although the **most recent grant cycle is now closed**, the program typically operates on an annual basis, and future opportunities will continue to support innovative, community-driven approaches to hazardous waste management. Through ongoing investment in safe handling and waste reduction, CalRecycle reinforces California’s leadership in environmental sustainability and resource conservation.

Conservancy priority for the funding is for projects that advance the evaluation of sea otter reintroduction as a potential recovery strategy for southern sea otters in California. This may include activities such as conducting biological and socioeconomic studies, stakeholder engagement, risk and impact analyses, baseline assessments, and other research and planning.   Other projects that plan, implement, or conducted research related to other critical recovery actions of the Federal Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan will be considered as a second priority.  

The Conservation, Environment and Public Trails Grant Program, administered by the Santa Barbara Foundation, is dedicated to fostering environmental sustainability, land conservation, habitat restoration, public trails, and overall ecosystem health within Santa Barbara County. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by investing in projects that preserve and enhance the region's natural resources, ensuring a healthy and accessible environment for all residents. The grants support both new and existing initiatives that demonstrate a clear need and aim to create lasting positive change in the community. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the communities and natural landscapes of Santa Barbara County. The impact goals include improving equitable access to natural resources and trail systems, restoring degraded habitats, protecting ecologically significant lands, and promoting sustainable environmental practices. The program seeks to empower well-managed, financially viable organizations to implement effective projects that address identified environmental needs, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and environmentally conscious Santa Barbara County. Key priorities for funding include projects focused on preserving and ensuring equitable access to natural resources and trail systems, community-based restoration in various natural areas (wetlands, streams, coastal areas, grasslands, woodlands), early-stage investigations for land conservation efforts, and piloting or expanding projects that exemplify best practices in conservation. The strongest projects are those that foster partnerships and collaborations, incorporate community involvement and education, and align with broader regional plans such as Santa Barbara County’s Conservation Blueprint or the Food Action Plan. Expected outcomes include the establishment of new trails and restoration of existing ones, the permanent protection of ecologically and agriculturally valuable lands, the restoration of critical habitats, and the implementation of innovative solutions for sustainable land, forestry, and water management. Measurable results could include increased acres of conserved land, miles of accessible trails, improved biodiversity in restored areas, and enhanced community awareness and engagement in conservation efforts. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its emphasis on collaborative approaches, community engagement, and alignment with existing regional conservation strategies, reflecting a theory of change that prioritizes collective action and long-term planning for environmental resilience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Sacramento-based nonprofit cultural organizations and for-profit creative businesses to develop workforce training and internship programs for underserved youth and young adults aged 16-24.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, public agencies, school districts, and California Native American tribes in creating educational and stewardship projects that connect communities to the coast and ocean, particularly those with limited access to coastal resources.

This grant provides financial assistance to public agencies in California for projects that combat shoreline erosion and restore public beaches.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for various organizations to implement prevention and control measures against the invasive golden mussel in Western U.S. waters, focusing on ecological protection and public awareness.

This grant provides funding for research on the genetic analysis of Agassiz's Desert Tortoise populations to support conservation efforts and military operations in California.

This funding opportunity supports scientific research projects that evaluate the effectiveness of California's forest management regulations, targeting a wide range of applicants including government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations focused on sustainable land management.

EBIP is intended to encourage adoption for low-income individuals of electric bicycles as a replacement for motor vehicle trips. Consistent with the goals of SB 375, EBIP would increase access to clean transportation options while offsetting vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by way of incentivizing electric bicycles (e-bikes). A portion of project funds would support the development and administration of a virtual bike safety class, so that consumers understand bicycle road safety. EBIP will provide incentives for eligible e-bikes to income-qualified consumers at the time of purchase, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Furthermore, EBIP will pilot an approach that aims to 1) help people replace car trips with e-bike trips, 2) increase access to electric bicycles, and 3) reduce GHG emissions. EBIP will be administered and implemented through a partnership between CARB and a Grantee, selected via this completive solicitation. Eligible applicants wishing to apply for the role of project administrator must submit an application via mail or in person to CARB no later than 5:00 p.m. (PDT) May 11, 2022. More information regarding the application process can be found in Section IX, Application Instructions of this solicitation.

The Department of Toxic Substances Control's (DTSC) Site Mitigation and Restoration Program Office of Brownfield manages the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant, which provides approximately $185 million in grants through a competitive process for investigations and cleanup of brownfields, in disadvantaged, vulnerable communities, to protect public health and provide opportunities for community revitalization.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to food recovery organizations and local jurisdictions in Orange County to improve infrastructure and expand programs that divert surplus edible food from landfills, in line with California's environmental mandates.

The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, in partnership with the Bay Foundation of Morro Bay, is offering a grant opportunity through the Central Coast Community-Based Water Quality Grants Program. This initiative focuses on supporting water quality-related projects within the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s jurisdiction. The program's core mission aligns with the Rose Foundation's broader goals of fostering environmental health and community well-being, specifically by addressing critical water issues in California's Central Coast. The program primarily targets projects that advance environmental justice and provide water quality benefits to underrepresented communities. This focus aims to address historical inequities and ensure that all communities have access to clean and safe water. The expected outcomes include tangible improvements in water quality, enhanced environmental justice outcomes, and increased resiliency for communities facing water-related challenges. Measurable results will likely involve reductions in pollutant loading, progress toward water quality objectives, and the preservation and restoration of watershed functions. Key priorities and preferred topic areas for this grant include the human right to water, environmental justice capacity building, and understanding the water quality impacts of climate change. The program also emphasizes drought-related water supply resiliency, climate adaptation and mitigation, sustainable drinking water and wastewater treatment, and sustainable groundwater management strategies. Additionally, projects that benefit marine habitats in San Luis Obispo County, reduce pollutant loading to meet Central Coast Basin Plan objectives, restore impaired waterbodies, implement on-farm Best Management Practices to reduce salt and nitrate, and prevent or address Harmful Algal Blooms are highly encouraged. The grant offers two funding tracks: a Large Grant Track for requests up to $200,000 (with most awards between $100,000-$200,000) and a Small Grant Track for requests up to $50,000 (with most awards between $20,000-$50,000). Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, federally recognized and State Indian tribes, and public agencies with jurisdiction over water resources management. All projects must be conducted within the Central Coast Water Board's Region 3 jurisdiction, encompassing Southern Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and portions of Ventura, Kern, and San Mateo Counties. The foundation's strategic approach underscores a commitment to community-driven solutions and measurable environmental impact through collaborative partnerships.