California grants for For profit organizations other than small businesses

The Equity Leads were established in 2023 under Senate Bill 114, Section 79 (Chapter 48 of the Statutes of 2023) as part of the California Statewide System of Support as a key lead initiative, with a $2 million annual investment. The Equity Leads will partner with local educational agencies (LEAs) to identify barriers to opportunities implementations and services to meet the identified needs of all pupils, including by addressing disparities in opportunities and academic outcomes. Additionally, Equity Leads will identify existing resources (including support for educator preparation, recruitment, retention, and professional development) and monitor the impact of the implementation of local control and accountability plan goals. Equity Leads will prioritize support to schools receiving Equity Multiplier Funding.

The UST Cleanup Fund provides a means for petroleum UST owners and operators to meet the federal and state requirements of maintaining financial responsibility to pay for damages arising from unauthorized releases from their petroleum USTs. The Fund assists a large number of small businesses and individuals by providing reimbursement for expenses associated with the cleanup of leaking USTs.

This program provides financial assistance and support to new small businesses in Santa Ana, helping them thrive during their first three years of operation.

This solicitation aims to reduce building dependency on grid electricity, increase energy efficiency of HVAC equipment operating on DC power, decrease burdens – and enhance access – to solar and heat pump adoption, and create business and manufacturing opportunities for those who develop DC HVAC nanogrid modules. The potential technology solution could be a modular system that includes an appropriately-sized PV array and energy storage integrated with a DC HVAC system. Such systems could support cost-effective decarbonization, summer electric demand management, and increased market adoption of clean HVAC electrification while avoiding the complexities of interconnection and stand-alone PV and storage installation, particularly for those in under-resourced communities. These systems could provide the benefits of solar and storage to ratepayers who have limited roof space or cannot afford a larger building-level PV/storage system. The installation would ideally be similar to an HVAC replacement, in that it would not require an inverter, onsite electrician, interconnection agreement, conduits, wiring, electric panel upgrades, or other utility-side requirements. Power from the solar PV and energy storage would be used entirely onsite and would not be exported to the grid. Rather, these systems would gain efficiency benefits from direct DC connections among the solar PV, storage, and HVAC equipment. Projects under this initiative could also eliminate or reduce building HVAC load during peak hours in summer months, improving reliability on the grid. The unit would typically be powered by solar PV and energy storage, except when either solar or stored energy is unavailable; at those times, the HVAC would use an AC/DC converter to be powered by the grid. The HVAC could continue operation uninterrupted during a grid outage when there is adequate solar and storage power available to meet the HVAC system’s load. Funded projects must develop and demonstrate the following technologies in existing buildings: ·       DC-powered HVAC equipment that directly uses onsite solar generated electricity; ·       Energy and/or thermal storage integrated into the system to improve cost effectiveness; and ·                A transfer switch incorporated into the module to isolate generation equipment from the grid and simplify installation. Projects must fall within one of the following project groups: ·       Group 1: Residential DC HVAC Nanogrid; and ·       Group 2: Commercial DC HVAC Nanogrid.

The Effectiveness Monitoring Committee (EMC) is seeking project proposals that: (1)   Address one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions and; (2)   Address natural resource protection issues that are important for California forestlands. The critical monitoring questions are organized under 12 Research Themes. Four prioritized critical questions were determined by vote amongst the current EMC members at the beginning of each calendar year:  Are the FPRs and associated regulations effective in...  Question 1h: managing WLPZs to reduce or minimize potential fire behavior and rate of spread? Question 6c:  managing fuel loads, vegetation patterns and fuel breaks for fire hazard reduction? Question 6d: managing forest structure and stocking standards to promote wildfire resilience? Question 12a: improving overall forest wildfire resilience and the ability of forests to respond to climate change (e.g., in response to drought or bark beetle; reducing plant water stress) and variability, and extreme weather events (evaluate ecosystem functional response to fuel reduction and forest health treatments)? I.       FUNDING AVAILABILITY. Funding available for newly proposed projects is anticipated as follows: $973,392 over three FYs beginning in 2024/25, comprising: $173,232 in FY 2024/25; $375,160 in FY 2025/26; and $425,000 in FY 2025/26. II.     AWARD LIMITATIONS. Applicants requesting more than the stated annual amount available for funding will not be considered. In the case that EMC funding for the full three years is awarded to one new project, project solicitation may not occur in the subsequent two FYs. While the EMC may choose to fund projects that span multiple FYs up to the annual funding cap, the EMC generally prefers to fund multiple research projects annually. Proposers should keep this in mind when developing their project and annual budget requests. Longer-term projects (greater than three years) may re-apply for funding for additional years through the competitive grants process advertised in the EMC’s Request for Proposals. Annual allocations are dependent upon demonstrated progress towards project completion pursuant to the project schedule and workplan.  a.      ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES. Eligible projects will test one or more specific FPRs or other rule or regulation under the Board’s jurisdiction and which addresses one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions. Proposed projects must clearly apply to management activities on private timberlands in California. Projects on public land may be eligible for EMC funding provided they clearly apply to the activities and systems that also exist on non-federal timberland. b.      ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS. Eligible applicants are local, state, and federal agencies including federal land management agencies; institutions of higher education; special purpose districts (e.g., public utilities districts, fire districts, conservation districts, and ports); Native American tribes; private landowners; for-profit entities; and non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations.

This funding opportunity is designed to support projects that improve forest management and reduce wildfire risks in the Truckee and Donner Summit areas, benefiting local communities and enhancing their preparedness for wildfires.

The Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Direct Install Program aims to distribute funds across Northern, Central, and Southern California to improve energy efficiency in low-income households. This involves installing electric appliances and related upgrades in single-family, multifamily, and manufactured homes within underresourced communities. The program emphasizes collaboration with community-based organizations to ensure culturally appropriate outreach and education. Applicants must exhibit expertise in residential building decarbonization.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is seeking applications to deploy advanced decarbonization and/or grid support technologies at California industrial facilities to promote electrification and reduce GHG emissions produced from the industrial sector. Donor Name: California Energy Commission (CEC) State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This solicitation will target technologies that have the potential to demonstrate cost-effectiveness and scalable to multiple industrial facilities with potential to increase confidence for adoption. The program’s goal is to deploy cutting-edge, emerging technologies at California industrial facilities to promote electrification and load flexibility, reduce fossil fuel and thermal energy usage, and reduce criteria air pollutants and carbon footprints. This program is open to existing industrial facilities, utilities, equipment manufacturers, energy service companies, project aggregators, and project developers who propose to implement projects in California’s industrial sector. Entities, facilities, and projects that are associated with the production or processing of oil and gas are ineligible. The CEC’s INDIGO Program will assist California’s industrial facilities in achieving the following: Emission Reductions: Adopt electrification and other eligible decarbonization technologies to reduce annual GHG emissions and other criteria air emissions at industrial processing facilities. Electrical Grid Support: Adopt commercially available and emerging technologies needed to support grid reliability, especially during net peak periods. Benefits to Priority Populations: Reduce criteria air pollutants and have direct community engagement and support, especially in low income or disadvantaged communities. Project Focus This solicitation focuses on deploying industrial decarbonization technologies that are cutting-edge emerging technologies. The proposed technology(ies) and project must achieve at least one of the following goals at the industrial demonstration site(s). Additional points could be awarded for meeting multiple goals. Electrify some or all industrial processes Maximize GHG emission reductions Drive scalability and application of project technology to other facilities/industries/processes Reduce electrical demand during net peak periods Provide air pollution benefits to priority populations. Funding Information There is up to $46,200,000 available for grants awarded under this solicitation. The minimum funding amount for each project is $4,000,000. The maximum funding amount is $10,000,0000. Eligibility Criteria  Applications to the INDIGO Program are open to existing industrial facilities located in California and to utilities, equipment manufacturers, energy service providers, aggregators, and developers who are implementing cutting-edge, emerging technologies in California industries. The applicant may include multiple industrial facilities located in California in one application. Food and beverage industries and related support facilities that are receiving funding for the same project, or portions of the same project, from the CEC’s Food Production Investment Program (FPIP) are ineligible for funding from the INDIGO Program or to use funds received from FPIP as match funds. For more information, visit CEC.

Grant Opportunity: Equity Leads for California Statewide System of Support Purpose: Collaborate with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), the department, and other lead agencies within the system of support to advance the objectives outlined in subdivision (b) of Section 52059.5. Description: Established in 2023 under Senate Bill 114, Section 79 (Chapter 48 of the Statutes of 2023), the Equity Leads initiative forms an integral part of the California Statewide System of Support. With an annual investment of $2 million, Equity Leads will work closely with local educational agencies (LEAs) to identify barriers to opportunities and implement services aimed at meeting the diverse needs of all pupils. This includes addressing disparities in opportunities and academic outcomes. Moreover, Equity Leads will assess existing resources, including support for educator preparation, recruitment, retention, and professional development, while also monitoring the impact of local control and accountability plan goals implementation. Priority support will be given to schools receiving Equity Multiplier Funding. Eligibility Requirements: Eligible Applicants: Business Individuals, Nonprofits, Other Legal Entities, Public Agencies, Tribal Governments Eligible Geographies: California State Matching Funding Requirement: Variable based on grant formula Important Dates: Application Deadline: June 5, 2024, 00:00 Expected Award Announcement: July 1, 2024 Period of Performance: 2023-2028 Funding Details: Total Estimated Available Funding: $2,000,000 Expected Number of Awards: Dependent Estimated Amount Per Award: Dependent Letter of Intent Required? No Requires Matched Funding? No Funding Source: State Funding Method: Other (Variable based on grant formula) How to Apply: State agencies/departments are advised to thoroughly review the full grant guidelines before applying. Further details can be found on the grantor's site. Grant Guidelines: [Link to Grant Guidelines] Grantor's Site: [Link to Grantor's Site] Resources: For inquiries regarding this grant opportunity, please contact: Felicia Novoa Phone: 1-916-319-0302 Email: [email protected]

The Valley Transportation Authority is seeking proposals from Santa Clara County municipalities, jurisdictions, arts, cultural, education, nonprofit and community organizations to support VTA’s vision of equitable Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC). Donor Name: Valley Transportation Authority State: California County: Santa Clara County (CA), Santa Clara County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Grant Goals  The goal for the grant is to grow innovative and robust partnerships between VTA and local public agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and other diverse stakeholders to advance implementation of equitable Transit-Oriented Communities in Santa Clara County. Selected projects will empower and strengthen communities, increase transit ridership, reduce the need for car trips, and support intensive mixed-use, mixed-income development around light rail stations and transit hubs. Eligible projects support collaboration and will be located within ½-mile of existing and planned VTA light rail stations, VTA transit centers, BART stations, and commuter rail stations served by Caltrain, ACE, and/or Capitol Corridor. Funding Information Through a competitive process, 14-20 projects are expected to be selected to receive up to approximately $15,000 to $175,000. Selected projects are planned to commence between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Eligible Activities  Grant funding is available for applications that advance the following Transit-Oriented Communities Grant Program Areas: Planning and Policy Implementation Advancing adoption and implementation of policies, plans, and regulations to enable equitable Transit-Oriented Communities. Examples of Eligible Activities: Station area planning Transit access planning and evaluation of mobility needs Equitable development and implementation plans Technical assistance and support for local agency staff to advance alignment with Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Transit-Oriented Communities Policy Community Resilience Supporting community organizations in playing greater roles in implementing equitable transit-oriented communities Examples of Eligible Activities: Implementation of anti-displacement efforts, including activities that advance acquiring, rehabilitating or preserving affordable housing, and housing preservation pilot projects Small business and commercial preservation and support Technical assistance and support for planning and development Programs that encourage and facilitate use of transit and other active transportation modes for individuals with limited incomes Education & Engagement Increasing community leadership and participation to implement Transit-Oriented Communities policies, plans and regulations, and increasing support for equitable, culturally relevant engagement practices, Examples of Eligible Activities: Advocacy campaigns for Transit-Oriented Communities-supportive policies and investments Community-based capacity building through the use of Promotores(as) Translation and interpretation services Food and childcare at community meetings Housing and homeowner application readiness workshops Placemaking, Arts, and Activation Improving the transit rider and community experience through publicly accessible arts and culture projects right next to transit that reinforce local culture, history, or value, and/or community beautification that enhances the safety and accessibility of transit, Examples of Eligible Activities: Place-based arts and culture projects within the public realm that enhance station areas and community culture and identity, such as murals and public art adjacent to transit Universal/inclusive signage design Projects that improve access in transit station area with a focus on pedestrian experience, such as crossing guards, park/trail clean-ups, graffiti-removal Festival-style events, such as outdoor street festivals or performance. For more information, visit VTA.

The Eastside Arts Initiative (EAI) is a grant-making program of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (LA Plaza) supporting arts initiatives and fostering collaborations for furthering the arts in eastern Los Angeles County. Donor Name: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (LA Plaza) State: California County: Los Angeles County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Eastside Arts Initiative (EAI) plays an integral role in furthering the arts in Eastern LA County by providing grant funding for visual, literary and performance arts programs while supporting local artists and arts organizations to develop innovative creative work. Funding Priorities  Grants are awarded through a competitive process based on the merits of the proposal and these funding priorities: Significance: Program fills an arts/cultural need in the community and has long-lasting value. Distinction/Innovation: Concept is creative and innovative offering unique experiences. Approach: Implementation and outreach plans are well-thought-out, such as how goals will be executed within a specified time-period. Suitability: Budget and goals are realistic. EAI Partner: Program furthers the arts in Eastern LA County and opens pathways to opportunities in the visual and performing arts. Funding Information Up to $150,000 in total funding will be awarded this cycle. Individual Artist: May apply for a grant from $2,500 to $10,000. Must apply with a fiscal agent. Arts Organization: May apply for a grant between $10,000 to $25,000. Must be a 501C3 non-profit organization and apply directly and not with a fiscal agent. Eligible Arts Disciplines Creative Crafts: Contemporary or Cultural/Folk Art Dance Film Literary Arts Digital and Media Arts Graphic Arts Music Photography Technical Arts Theatre Visual Arts Arts Trades: (i.e., recording engineer, production assistant, set designer, costume designer, make-up artists, etc.) Commercial printing, advertising, marketing DO NOT qualify. Eligibility Requirements  Applicant must be an artist or arts organization serving in one or more of the following Eastern LA County communities: Westlake/Rampart/Downtown LA to East L.A; Northeast LA to the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys; and the Southeast LA/Gateway communities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Maywood, El Monte, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pico Rivera, South Gate, Vernon and Walnut Park unincorporated. Artists must be 18 years of age or older and may apply only with a fiscal agent that is an established 501c3 non-profit arts organization that can provide: an IRS determination letter, IRS 990, and annual budget (see “fiscal agent responsibilities” section below for further requirements). Artists must have sustainable creative work and submit a resume summarizing a minimum of two years of artistic work history and accomplishments. Arts organizations must be an established 501c3 non-profit and able to provide: an IRS determination letter, IRS 990, and annual budget. If the proposal is for a Public Art Project, the applicant must provide a letter signed by the site property owner and a permit from the municipality (if applicable) confirming approval of project specifications and site location. Public art projects must be permanent installations and include a programming component. Non-permanent public art projects are not applicable. Grant proposals are not accepted directly from schools or government entities. However, proposals are accepted from artists or arts organizations for partnerships with schools or government agencies where arts programming can be offered free to the community. Proposals are not accepted from prior EAI grant recipients who have not submitted closing report from previous grant award (this does not apply to EAI emergency grant recipients). Grant must be utilized directly as proposed, and within one year of award or funds must be returned. Grant closing reports to the EAI are due two months following conclusion of program. EAI Logo or recognition must be included in all related marketing materials, such as acknowledging the EAI’s support in flyers, social media, press materials and other public information. For more information, visit LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (LA Plaza).

The City of Long Beach is launching ” Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program,” a program designed to propel small businesses towards success and sustainability. Donor Name: City of Long Beach State: California City: Long Beach Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This initiative offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with essential support resources and undergo comprehensive workshops aimed at crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon completion of the program, participants become eligible to apply for $10k grants, empowering them to expand their business capacity and enhance resilience. With a focus on igniting growth and fostering excellence, the City’s Economic Development Department will select a group of 25 small businesses for this exclusive opportunity. Through a series of no-cost training sessions, participants will delve into strategic business planning, marketing, branding, social media optimization, access to capital, government procurement opportunities, permitting and licensing insights, merchandising techniques, networking strategies, biz-to-biz mentorship, talent recruitment, and personalized business counseling. Eligibility Criteria  Must be located and operating within the boundaries of Long Beach, California with a storefront location accessible to the public. Must have been in business for a minimum of 3 years as of 4/23/2024. Must be an independently-owned, for-profit business including sole proprietorships, LLC’s or Corporations that are not publicly traded (franchises and large chains with 10 or more locations are not eligible). 501(c)3 nonprofits may also apply. Must have a City of Long Beach business license. The business must hold an active or delinquent license. Businesses that have closed or cancelled their licenses are not eligible for the program. Must be currently open and active for business. Must earn no more than $5 million in annual gross revenue. Corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships must have an “ACTIVE” status with the California Secretary of State. Program selection and awards will be determined by a selection committee based on the following criteria: Representation of businesses across all parts of the city with priority for businesses located in low-to-moderate income areas Representation of businesses across multiple sectors Business readiness and potential impact   of program participation. Ineligibility  Businesses without a physical location in Long Beach, CA Businesses that are permanently closed Government entities or elected official offices Businesses primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities Passive businesses, investment companies, and investors who file a Schedule E on their personal tax returns Churches and other religious organizations Financial businesses primarily engaged in the business of lending, such as banks and finance companies Landlords and property managers (unless repairing on behalf of a small business) Businesses engaged in any activity that is illegal under federal, state, or local law Businesses engaged in any socially undesirable activity or activity that may be considered predatory in nature such as check cashing businesses Businesses that have active and unresolved code enforcement and COVID-19 Health Order violations Cannabis-related businesses. For more information, visit City of Long Beach.

The Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program is inviting grant applications for community-based projects that prevent stormwater pollution, enhance the health of local watersheds, creeks and the San Francisco Bay, and have a public outreach element. Donor Name: Alameda County Resource Conservation District State: California County: Alameda County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Types of projects will be funded Community Stewardship Grants provide funding for creative and innovative projects that prevent stormwater pollution and/or educate about stormwater pollution prevention. Projects must contain a community/public outreach element. Projects must be implemented in Alameda County. Funding Information Individual grant amounts range from $500 to $6,000, with $30,000 of total grant funding available. Eligible projects include (but are not limited to): Litter reduction projects Outreach and education projects addressing litter reduction/prevention, household hazardous waste disposal, Integrated Pest Management, etc. Development and distribution of outreach materials, e.g. videos, newsletters, brochures, events, etc. Public art projects Creekside restoration/re-vegetation projects, creek cleanup and enhacement projects Stormwater detention projects such as rain gardens, cisterns and bioretention areas Coastal and/or creek cleanups and other creek enhancement projects Wildlife habitat enhancement projects Eligibility Criteria Teachers and student groups, service clubs, community groups, environmental groups, youth organizations, homeowner associations, and non-profit organizations are eligible. For-profit groups and public agencies including Clean Water Program Member agencies are not eligible. If the applicant is not a formal nonprofit (501(c)(3)), they must obtain a fiscal sponsor, which is an organization legally qualified to receive checks for grant funds and write checks for the project. Grant funds cannot be distributed to personal checking accounts. For more information, visit Alameda County Resource Conservation District.

This program provides financial support and resources to small businesses in low-to-moderate income areas of Southern California, helping them grow and create jobs in their communities.

South Lake Tahoe Cannabis Community Benefit Grant Program - Summary Grant Program Open! The City of South Lake Tahoe is offering grants funded by Cannabis Community Benefit Fees. These grants aim to mitigate potential impacts of the cannabis industry while also supporting the city's strategic priorities. Who can apply? Non-profit organizations or public agencies located in or serving South Lake Tahoe Must have a current City business license (free for non-profits) One application per organization Past recipients must be in good standing with previous grant reporting What can the grant be used for? Projects that address the City's strategic priorities (Built Environment, Recreation, Community, Economic Development, Government Services) Mitigating potential impacts of the cannabis industry Grant Details: Amounts: $1,000 - $50,000 Funds must be used within one year Up-front disbursement of 90%, remaining 10% upon successful completion Allowable indirect cost rate: 10% (unless a separate rate is approved) Important Dates: Application window: Open Now (as of April 15) until May 15, 2024 (11:59 pm) Awards announced: June 2024 Grant renewed every year.

The Effectiveness Monitoring Committee (EMC), serving as an advisory body to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, aims to fund scientific research that tests the effectiveness of the California Forest Practice Rules and associated regulations. This includes addressing natural resource issues such as watershed science, wildlife concerns, and wildfire hazard. Proposals are sought that focus on one or more of EMC's Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions, particularly those that contribute to understanding and enhancing wildfire resilience and response to climate change across California's forestlands. Projects must directly relate to management activities on private timberlands in the state, although those on public lands may qualify if they demonstrate relevance to non-federal timberland activities.

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund an applied research and development project that will support research to assess the impact of consolidated packages of electrified retrofit measures on air quality and other related impact categories, including resilience to extreme heat, indoor comfort, and energy and cost savings in California homes. Description: This research will identify and assess non-energy benefits of home electrification and evaluate key stakeholders’ (e.g., residents, contractors) experience with the retrofitting process. Ultimately, this work will provide guidance on how these benefits could be considered in strategies and decisions to retrofit or replace gas-fueled appliances with electric. The proposed research is intended to provide crucial support to the state’s efforts to address challenges in building decarbonization and to minimize air quality impacts to its residents. The research responds to the 2021-2025 California Energy Commission (CEC) Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) Investment Plan research initiative “Evaluating Air Quality, Health, and Equity in Clean Energy Solutions.” CEC’s California Building Decarbonization Assessment report, required by Assembly Bill 3232 (Friedman, Chapter 373, Statutes of 2018) suggests that efficient electrification in California’s buildings presents the most readily achievable pathway for this sector to achieve a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gases relative to 1990 levels by 2030 (Kenney, et al. 2021). The same report acknowledges significant challenges associated with residential building decarbonization including high upfront costs, potential for increased utility bills, limited awareness of technology options and their benefits, constraints faced by renters, and systemic inequality faced by low-income and disadvantaged communities. There are many non-market factors to consider in decisions to retrofit or replace appliances, such as the non-energy benefits of home electrification (e.g., health, comfort, and household economics) that many are not aware of. Additionally, there are many not-yet characterized potential benefits of electrification retrofits in existing homes (e.g., improved air quality). These existing homes pose challenges — as well as enormous potential benefits — related to electrification; however, they are not typically covered under the Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which apply only to new buildings and buildings undergoing permitted upgrades. Improvements in indoor air quality and related health outcomes are of particular importance to populations in low-income and disadvantaged communities, which are often disproportionately burdened by energy-related air pollutants. For example, in August 2023, the operating lives of three once through cooling (OTC) fossil gas power plants were extended through 2026 to provide reserve generation during power emergencies (CalMatters 2023, California Energy Commission 2023) and the emissions from OTC smokestacks can impact the outdoor and indoor air quality of residents living near those plants. In addition, wildfire-generated air pollution poses an added threat, possibly compounding already existing air quality issues in these communities. Eligibility Requirements Eligible Applicants: Business Individual Nonprofit Other Legal Entity Public Agency Tribal Government This solicitation is open to all public and private entities with the exception of local publicly owned electric utilities. Eligible Geographies: No local publicly owned electric utilities. Matching Funding Requirement: Match funding is required in the amount of at least 5% minimum of the requested CEC funds.

The purpose of this solicitation is to award grants to fund projects focused on geothermal energy and lithium recovery from geothermal brine that support local jurisdictions and private entities to advance the geothermal sector and related activities per Public Resource Code (PRC) Sections 3800-3827 and California Code of Regulations (CCR) Sections 1660-1665. ; This solicitation aims to support the goals of Senate Bill 100 (SB 100, De Leon, Chapter 312, Statures of 2018), Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32, Nunez, Chapter 488, Statutes of 2006), and SB 32 (Pavley, Chapter 249, Statutes of 2016) to meet the eligible renewable energy, zero-carbon energy, and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. The proposed projects must not exceed thirty-six (36) months in length – the project term must be in alignment with the proposed project scope and budget, and it is encouraged to explain that alignment in the Project Narrative (Attachment 3). The proposed projects are limited to addressing one of the eligible purposes allowed by the Geothermal Grant and Loan Program, as presented in Section I.C., Project Focus, per PRC Section 3823. This solicitation will be conducted as a two-phase process. Phase one is for local jurisdictions that want to compete for technical assistance funds to develop and prepare the full proposal for this solicitation. Phase one applicants need to complete a 1) Technical Assistance Application Form, 2) Technical Assistance Project Summary, and 3) Technical Assistance Scope of Work. Phase two is for local jurisdictions and private entities to submit the full proposal, as indicated in Section I E. (Key Activities Schedule) of this solicitation. See Part II of this solicitation for applicant and project eligibility requirements. Phase one and Phase two applications will be evaluated as follows: (1) proposal screening and (2) proposal scoring, as fully described in Section IV. Applicants may submit multiple applications, though each application must address only one of the eligible purposes identified in Section 1 C. (Project Focus) of this solicitation. If an applicant submits multiple applications, each application must be for a distinct project (i.e., no overlap with respect to the tasks described in the Scope of Work).

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund applied research to increase California’s hydropower generation through precipitation enhancement (cloud seeding). Research funded by this solicitation will foster cost-effective, robust approaches to manage anticipated needs for zero-carbon, fast-ramping resources in the context of a rapidly evolving energy system and climate change.; The proposed research contributes to implementation of the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) 2021-2025 Investment Plan and responds to the strategic objective: “Inform California's Transition to an Equitable, Zero-Carbon Energy System that is Climate-Resilient and Meets Environmental Goals” (Chapter 7). Specifically, this solicitation supports the topic 44 within the Climate Resilience Initiative: “Integrating Climate Resilience in Electricity System Planning.” Hydroelectric power is an important source of zero-carbon, dispatchable power in California. It is a critical element of the state’s electricity system and in-state generation, providing peaking reserve, spinning reserve, and load following capacity, as well as transmission line support (Somani, et al., 2021). The percentage of the state’s electricity supplied by hydropower varies, as hydropower resources are strongly dependent on magnitude and timing of snowmelt runoff and rainfall. Between 2012 and 2021, hydropower (including in-state generation and imports) provided an average of 9 percent of California’s total energy mix (California Energy Commission 2022). As the state continues to contend with drought and other climate-driven impacts on water and hydropower resource availability, as well as develop more sustainable water management practices (California Water Action Plan, 2014), the proposed research will support opportunities for increasing and sustaining hydropower generation. Specifically, the research will contribute to more effective precipitation enhancement (cloud seeding) strategies.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-focused projects, such as centers for social services, libraries, and cultural institutions, requiring significant community backing and a portion of the budget to be secured before applying.