Explore the Coast

The Explore the Coast Grants are administered by the California State Coastal Conservancy, a non-regulatory state agency dedicated to enhancing public access to California’s coast and San Francisco Bay shoreline, restoring coastal habitats, and preserving coastal agricultural lands. Through this grant program, the Conservancy aims to support inclusive, community-centered projects that increase coastal access and enjoyment for populations who historically face barriers, including low-income communities, individuals with disabilities, people of color, California Native American communities, and other historically underserved groups. This funding opportunity supports projects that provide joyful or healing coastal experiences for “ETC Priority Communities.” Eligible projects must include activities at or directly related to California's outer coast or San Francisco Bay shoreline. Activities should actively reduce economic, physical, operational, or societal barriers to coastal access, with secondary benefits such as environmental education, coastal stewardship, and community leadership development encouraged but not required. Projects must serve a participant base where at least 70% belong to ETC Priority Communities. Ineligible activities include construction projects, classroom-only programming exceeding 25% of project time, and activities unrelated to direct coastal access. The grant provides up to $100,000 per project, with approximately $700,000 total available for the 2026-2027 cycle. Of this, $650,000 supports projects accessing the outer coast, while $50,000 is allocated to projects accessing the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Projects must plan to start in January 2027 and conclude by December 2028. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement specified. The application is highly competitive, with previous award rates ranging from 10% to 12%. Applicants are strongly encouraged to engage in a consultation call with Conservancy staff to discuss project fit and improve application competitiveness. Eligible applicants include public agencies, federally recognized tribes, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and non-federally recognized tribes or California Native American communities applying with a fiscal sponsor. The application consists of a downloadable form, with submissions accepted via email to grants@scc.ca.gov by January 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. Attachments such as photos are welcome (up to 10MB total), and letters of support are requested only after the applicant is recommended for funding. Applications are reviewed by Conservancy staff and the ETC Advisory Board based on 11 weighted selection criteria, including project clarity, long-term impact, inclusivity, accessibility, and applicant capacity. Final funding decisions will be made at a Conservancy Board meeting scheduled for September 24, 2026. Projects should not plan to begin before January 2027, as funding becomes available only after board approval and execution of a grant agreement. This program is expected to recur annually, with the next application cycle likely opening in November 2026.

Avoid AI-generated language lacking specificity; include tailored, community-relevant content; highlight joyful, healing experiences; clarity and impact are key.