The California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail Grants Program aims to connect individuals with the California Coast and its watersheds. This is achieved through funding projects focused on education, stewardship, and outdoor experiences. The program aligns with the commission's mission to protect and enhance California's coastal resources by fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of these vital ecosystems.
The grants specifically target communities across California that have historically had limited access to marine education and stewardship opportunities. This includes non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, government entities, and California Native American Tribes. The program's impact goals are to increase engagement with coastal and marine environments, particularly among underserved populations, and to promote projects that address critical issues such as climate change.
A key priority of the Whale Tail Grants Program is to engage communities that have historically received fewer opportunities for coastal and marine education and stewardship. They strongly encourage applications from organizations based in and composed of the communities they aim to serve. The program also strives for a broad geographic distribution of projects throughout California, ensuring that diverse regions benefit from these initiatives. Grant categories include youth education, general public/adult education, climate change education and stewardship, and shoreline cleanup/enhancement programs with community involvement.
The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in coastal and marine literacy, greater community participation in stewardship activities, and tangible improvements in coastal habitats through restoration efforts. While specific metrics are not detailed, the focus on "education, stewardship, and outdoor experiences" and "reaching communities all over California that have historically received fewer marine education and stewardship opportunities" implies a theory of change where increased access and engagement lead to a more environmentally conscious and active citizenry. The program's strategic priority is to empower communities to become stewards of the California coast, contributing to its long-term health and resilience.
