Advancing 30×30 in Coastal Waters

The Advancing 30x30 in Coastal Waters Solicitation is a competitive grant opportunity funded by Proposition 68 through the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC). Proposition 68, officially known as the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018, was approved by voters to invest in the state’s natural resources and communities. Chapter 9 of Proposition 68 designates $35 million to OPC for grantmaking aligned with the California Ocean Protection Act, emphasizing conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of marine wildlife and ecosystems. At least 15 percent of these funds are reserved for projects that serve severely disadvantaged communities. This grant solicitation specifically supports California’s commitment to the 30x30 initiative, which aims to conserve 30 percent of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. The 30x30 Coastal Waters roadmap identifies four major strategies to advance this goal: adaptive management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), enhanced conservation in National Marine Sanctuaries, support for tribally-led conservation, and leveraging other coastal designations to strengthen biodiversity. Three distinct tracks are available for applicants: Track 1 supports action-oriented science to close knowledge gaps; Track 2 funds on-the-ground restoration and stewardship; and Track 3 supports tribally led stewardship efforts. Total funding for this round is $10 million, with varying award ranges per track. Track 1 offers between $500,000 and $1,000,000 for science projects; Track 2 provides $200,000 to $1,000,000 for restoration activities; and Track 3 ranges from $200,000 to $2,000,000 for tribally led projects. All projects must be completed within two years, with one-year projects encouraged for Track 1. Eligible costs include project implementation and related expenses, excluding environmental permitting unless the project scope specifically involves technical studies or assessments. Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal agencies; public and private universities; nonprofit organizations; private entities; and California Native American tribes. For proposals submitted in partnership with tribes, documentation such as signed letters of consent or resolutions is required. Projects must demonstrate long-term benefits to the state, generally defined as lasting 15 to 30 years. Environmental compliance through CEQA and, if applicable, NEPA is required before project execution. The application process involves two phases: the Letter of Intent (LOI) phase and the Full Proposal phase. The LOI deadline is July 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by September 19, 2025. Informational webinars and virtual office hours will be held on June 30 and July 9, respectively. Proposal review will occur through a multi-reviewer scoring process with final award recommendations made at the OPC’s December 9 meeting. Project start dates are anticipated in winter 2026. For questions, applicants may contact Michael Esgro, Senior Biodiversity Program Manager & Tribal Liaison, via email at 30x30coastalwaters@resources.ca.gov or by mailing the California Ocean Protection Council at 715 P Street, 20th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814. All applicants must thoroughly review the Prop 68 Grant Guidelines and the solicitation document to ensure compliance and completeness.