The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is offering Community Air Grants with almost $16 million available for Cycle 5 Project Awards. These grants aim to support community-led initiatives that address air pollution and improve public health in California. The program's mission aligns with fostering community capacity, providing technical training, and implementing focused emission reduction strategies.
The target beneficiaries include California non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax exemption, such as those partnering with California community-based organizations without 501(c)(3) status, and California Native American Tribes. Individuals, schools, universities, and organizations affiliated with governmental agencies are not eligible. The impact goals are to reduce air pollution, enhance community engagement in air protection programs, and develop local community emissions reduction plans.
The grant prioritizes educational, technical, and focused projects. Educational projects focus on building community capacity to participate in air protection programs. Technical projects provide community air monitoring training. Focused Emission Reduction Strategies Expansion (ERSE) projects deploy specific strategies from approved Community Emissions Reduction Programs in new communities. Focused Local-Community Emissions Reduction Plan (L-CERP) projects convene communities to develop local plans in coordination with government and stakeholders.
Expected outcomes include increased community involvement in air quality efforts, improved air monitoring capabilities, and the implementation of effective emission reduction strategies. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the project types, the awards are capped at $300,000 for educational projects and $500,000 for technical and focused projects. The grant term is approximately from June 2025 through March 2027 or December 2027, indicating a commitment to long-term impact in community air protection.
