Coastal Conservancy Grants

The California State Coastal Conservancy offers a suite of grant opportunities designed to support the restoration, protection, and equitable public access of the California coast, with a growing emphasis on climate resilience. As a state agency, the Coastal Conservancy has a long-standing mandate to fund and implement projects that safeguard coastal and bay environments while ensuring that all communities—particularly those historically underrepresented—have access to the state's natural resources. With the recent passage of the 2024 Climate Bond (Proposition 4), the Conservancy anticipates a significant infusion of funding to support projects that align with these objectives, particularly those enhancing climate resilience, wildfire mitigation, and environmental justice. Funding is available through both rolling and scheduled application processes. The majority of the Conservancy's grant programs—including Climate Ready, Wildfire Resilience, and regional initiatives—utilize a rolling pre-application system, allowing applicants to submit proposals on an ongoing basis. However, specific programs such as "Explore the Coast" and "Coastal Stories" operate on a fixed deadline schedule, which is updated periodically on the Conservancy’s website. All applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the agency’s Technical Assistance Resources and to schedule a consultation with the appropriate Regional Manager prior to submitting a pre-application. The application process is structured in two stages: a required pre-application, followed by an invitation-only full application. Pre-applications help the Conservancy evaluate eligibility, alignment with project selection criteria, and availability of funding. The agency’s project selection criteria prioritize multi-benefit initiatives, projects that serve disadvantaged communities, and those that further the objectives outlined in the Conservancy’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan. Successful pre-applications may be advanced to the full application stage, with applicants asked to provide additional information to support evaluation. The Conservancy supports a wide array of project types across California’s coastal zone and watersheds. Eligible project stages include feasibility studies, land acquisition, community engagement and planning, permitting, construction, and monitoring. Notably, operation and maintenance costs are ineligible. In addition to environmental restoration and access improvements, the agency funds projects that preserve working lands and enhance resilience to climate change impacts such as sea-level rise, wildfires, and flooding. Urban greening initiatives, however, are directed to the California Natural Resources Agency. Eligible applicants include public agencies at all levels, federally recognized tribes, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Non-federally recognized tribes and community-based organizations may also apply through a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status. There are no minimum or maximum funding amounts, though most grants are expected to range between $200,000 and $5 million. An exception is the Explore the Coast Grants program, which has a $100,000 cap. Matching funds are not explicitly required for most programs, though leveraging other funding sources may enhance competitiveness. To assist applicants, the Conservancy provides a comprehensive suite of guidance materials, including webinar recordings, slide decks, and downloadable application documents. Technical assistance is available through the Conservancy’s Regional Managers, who are assigned based on project geography. Email contacts for each regional lead are listed on the program website. While the grant program accepts applications year-round for many funding streams, applicants are advised to consult the scheduled grant rounds page for time-limited opportunities. Awards are made based on availability of funds and project prioritization, with no fixed performance period mentioned.