California grants for Native American tribal organizations

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering the 2024-2025 Natural Community Conservation Planning Local Assistance Grant (NCCP LAG) Program. This grant program is specifically designed to support the implementation of Natural Community Conservation Plans (NCCPs) across California. Its legal authority is rooted in Fish and Game Code section 1501.5(b), which empowers CDFW to provide funding for critical activities like the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitats. The program's core mission aligns directly with the CDFW's broader goal of conserving California's diverse natural communities and species. The primary beneficiaries of the NCCP LAG program are local public agencies, tribes, and non-profit organizations that are actively involved in or have a keen interest in executing Eligible Projects related to NCCP implementation. The program prioritizes projects submitted by "Implementing Entities" – those responsible for putting the plans into action once permitted – by awarding them additional points during the proposal evaluation phase. While the focus is on California, entities outside the state are also eligible to apply, broadening the potential for collaboration and impact. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined to ensure effective NCCP implementation. These include immediate management actions on newly acquired NCCP reserve lands, restoration and enhancement of habitats or species populations, and the design and execution of biological monitoring programs. Other crucial areas are the development of individual reserve management plans, new or updated mapping activities to support NCCP management or monitoring, and targeted studies for adaptive management to evaluate and adjust conservation strategies. Additionally, the grant supports other non-land acquisition priority tasks identified by applicants and implementing partners that are essential for successful NCCP execution. The expected outcomes of the NCCP LAG program are a more robust and effective implementation of NCCPs throughout California. Measurable results will stem from the successful completion of eligible projects, such as acres of habitat restored, the establishment of effective biological monitoring programs, improved reserve management, and enhanced understanding of species and habitat responses through targeted studies. The overarching impact goals are the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitats, ultimately contributing to the long-term conservation of California's natural heritage. The CDFW's strategic priorities are evident in its annual offering of these grants for the "highest priority tasks," which are collaboratively identified with NCCP implementing partners and federal wildlife agencies, ensuring a targeted and impactful approach to conservation.

The California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) is offering $20 million in Tribal Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (Tribal HHAP) grant funding. This program is designed to provide culturally responsive solutions to address homelessness within tribal communities in California. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this grant, aligns with supporting self-determination and empowering tribal communities to design and implement interventions tailored to their unique needs. The target beneficiaries are California Federally Recognized Tribes. The primary impact goal is to reduce homelessness by enabling these communities to develop and implement a variety of interventions. The program prioritizes culturally responsive programming and tribal self-determination, ensuring that solutions are relevant and effective for the communities they serve. The Tribal HHAP program supports flexible use of funds across broad categories including permanent housing solutions, interim housing solutions, and services. This flexibility is a strategic priority, allowing tribes to address the specific housing and support needs of their members. The theory of change is that by providing funding directly to tribal communities and allowing them to design their own interventions, more effective and sustainable solutions to homelessness will emerge. Expected outcomes include an increase in available housing solutions (both permanent and interim) and an expansion of services aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness within tribal communities. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program's emphasis on culturally responsive solutions and tribal expertise suggests that success will be measured by the effectiveness of the implemented interventions in meeting community needs and improving housing stability.

This solicitation has two purposes: 1) make $1,050,000 available to California Native American tribes for clean energy future planning as well as to better enable their participation in statewide clean energy and energy infrastructure planning activities and 2) make $500,000 available to local government entities to develop new or updated land use planning documents that support and advance the development of clean energy in their jurisdiction.

The Living Cultures Grant, offered by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts, is designed to sustain and strengthen traditional arts across California. This program aligns directly with the Alliance's mission by supporting the nurturing of cultural continuity, sustaining cultural practices, and engaging communities through public programs. The grant's focus on traditional arts, which are deeply rooted in shared heritage, language, religion, occupation, or region, reflects the foundation's strategic priority of preserving and promoting the diverse cultural expressions within the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individual artists/culture bearers and California-based nonprofits, Tribal Nations, and other community groups who actively practice traditional arts. The program aims to achieve several impact goals: fostering cultural continuity through learning and practice, sustaining cultural practices by providing necessary resources for purchases and services, and engaging communities through public programs that share these traditions. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial support to these practitioners and organizations, traditional arts will continue to thrive, be passed down through generations, and enrich the cultural landscape of California. The grant prioritizes proposals that demonstrate clear plans for nurturing cultural continuity, sustaining cultural practices, and engaging communities. This includes projects across various traditional art forms such as dance, music, foodways, material arts, and oral traditions. The Alliance seeks to ensure that these deeply rooted artistic expressions, reflective of a community's shared values and experiences, continue to be vibrant and accessible. Expected outcomes include the continued practice and transmission of traditional arts, increased community engagement with cultural heritage, and the preservation of diverse artistic forms. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope of funded activities (e.g., projects should run between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025), the inherent goal is to see a thriving ecosystem of traditional arts. For individual artists, the grant supports their practice directly, while for organizations, it supports activities that further their cultural programs and community outreach, aiming for a sustained impact on California's traditional arts landscape.

This funding opportunity provides over $800 million to support the construction and rehabilitation of facilities that expand mental health services for vulnerable populations in California, including unhoused individuals, veterans, and children.

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) offers the Rubberized Pavement Grant Program, previously known as the Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC) Grant Program. Its primary mission is to foster markets for recycled-content surfacing products derived from waste tires generated within California. This program directly aligns with environmental stewardship and resource recovery objectives, seeking to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts caused by the unlawful disposal and stockpiling of waste tires. By promoting the use of recycled tire rubber in pavement, CalRecycle aims to support a circular economy and reduce waste, contributing to a more sustainable infrastructure development. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include local governments (cities, counties, and cities and counties), other local governmental agencies such as regional park districts, special districts, and Joint Powers Authorities, and qualifying Indian Tribes. State agencies are also eligible, but with specific limitations on projects related to Class 1 bikeways, greenways, and disability access at parks. The impact goals are centered on increasing the use of rubberized pavement, thereby diverting waste tires from landfills and illegal dumps. This also contributes to the longevity of road infrastructure, as RAC roads are proven to last 50% longer than those made with conventional materials. The program's priorities and focuses are clear: to expand the application of rubberized asphalt concrete (RAC) technology. RAC is produced by blending ground tire rubber with asphalt binder, which is then mixed with conventional materials. This process not only addresses waste management but also offers a durable and cost-effective solution for road construction and maintenance. The emphasis is on practical, implementable projects that utilize this recycled content, demonstrating its effectiveness and encouraging widespread adoption across California. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in waste tire stockpiles and illegal dumping, an increase in the number of miles of roads constructed or rehabilitated with RAC, and a corresponding extension of pavement lifespan. The program measures success through the amount of waste tires diverted and the scale of rubberized pavement projects undertaken. By providing financial incentives, CalRecycle strategically promotes a market for recycled tire products, demonstrating a theory of change where economic support drives environmental and infrastructural improvements. The funding structure, with maximum awards ranging from $250,000 for individual applications to $500,000 for qualifying Indian Tribes, is designed to stimulate diverse projects and ensure accessibility for various eligible entities.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is soliciting proposals to reduce whale mortality from fishing gear entanglement in Southern California. This grant directly aligns with NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats for current and future generations by addressing a critical threat to cetacean populations. The program aims to provide compensatory restoration for injuries to cetaceans caused by the Refugio Beach Oil Spill (RBOS), thereby mitigating past environmental damage and fostering healthier marine ecosystems. The primary beneficiaries of this program are cetaceans in Southern California, particularly those susceptible to entanglement in fishing gear. The impact goals are to increase the capacity of the entanglement response network, improve documentation and disentanglement efforts, and broadly support activities that reduce serious injuries or mortalities from entanglements. This initiative contributes to the foundation's strategic priority of healthy oceans and coasts by safeguarding marine mammals. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its goals. These include directly enhancing entanglement response in Southern California, and potentially beyond if it benefits local cetaceans, coordinating with federal, state, and local resource agencies to improve the overall West Coast Marine Mammal Entanglement Response Program, and training and developing volunteer response capacity. Furthermore, proposals should outline how activities will contribute to the development of the overall capacity and infrastructure of the program. Expected outcomes include a more robust and efficient entanglement response network, a reduction in the number of entangled cetaceans, improved survival rates of entangled animals through effective disentanglement, and enhanced coordination among relevant agencies. Measurable results would likely involve metrics such as the number of successful disentanglements, the increase in trained responders, and the documented reduction in entanglement-related mortalities. An estimated $250,000 will be available for a Phase 1 project award, anticipated to last 1-2 years, with a priority geographic focus on the coastlines off Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California-based nonprofit organizations and local governments to promote and preserve folk and traditional arts by directly funding artists and community projects rooted in cultural heritage.

Please visit the Cooperative Efforts webpage on the CAL FIRE website for more information about this grant and how to apply. https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fire-protection/cooperative-efforts

The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) leads California's efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The principal goal of the Conservancy's Science and Lake Improvement Account program (SB 630, 2013) is to support near-shore environmental improvement program activities and projects, particularly projects that manage aquatic invasive species or improve public access to sovereign land in Lake Tahoe.More specifically, such projects manage aquatic invasive species, or improve public access to sovereign land in Lake Tahoe, including planning and site improvement or reconstruction projects on public land, and land acquisitions from willing sellers. SB 630 (2013) allocates the Conservancy approximately $350,000 annually. Please contact staff at [email protected] and 916.402.7508 for more information.

Applications may be considered under one or both of the following project priorities. Project Type - Transition from Provisional License to Annual License: To transition to an annual license, provisional licensees must meet all regulatory requirements in Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations, sections 8102, 8105, and 8106. Eligible activities under this project type include, but are not limited to: cleanup, remediation, and restoration, professional services, consulting, and infrastructure related to cleanup, remediation, and restoration. Eligible costs include but are not limited to: compliance costs (except the ineligible costs described above); meeting the avoidance, minimization, or mitigation requirements approved in the project’s CEQA document; or county permitting requirements. If the applicant is representing a provisional license cultivator, actions outlined must lead to the issuance of an annual license or lead to on-the-ground implementation that will result in the issuance of an annual license from the licensing authority. Project Type - Sustainable Cannabis Cultivation Practices: Sustainable cannabis cultivation practices should alleviate direct and indirect environmental impacts of cannabis cultivation and enhance environmental stewardship. Activities that may be eligible include but are not limited to: sustainable water consumption, sustainable waste management, integrated pest and disease management, erosion control, and/or riparian protection. Qualified Cultivator - The following qualified cultivator may be represented by an eligible applicant. The qualified cultivator being represented by the eligible applicant must at a minimum have a valid and active provisional license or annual license issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA; now the Department of Cannabis Control). Bus. & Prof. Code, § 26050.2 et seq.). Priority will be given to qualified cultivators with ownership and/or financial interest in no more than 10,000 square feet of total canopy. However, cultivators with ownership and/or financial interest accumulating between 10,000-20,000 square feet of total canopy may still qualify. All proposed projects must benefit qualified cultivators as defined below. Qualified cultivation license types are: Specialty cottage:-“Specialty Cottage Outdoor” is an outdoor cultivation site with up to 25 mature plants.-“Specialty Cottage Mixed-Light Tier 1” only, is a mixed-light cultivation site with 2,500 square feet or less of total canopy Specialty:-“Specialty Outdoor” is an outdoor cultivation site with less than or equal to 5,000 square feet of total canopy, or up to 50 mature plants.-“Specialty Mixed-Light Tier 1” only, is a mixed-light cultivation site between 2,501 and 5,000 square feet of total canopy. Small:- “Small Outdoor” is an outdoor cultivation site between 5,001 and 10,000 square feet of total canopy.- “Small Mixed-Light Tier 1” only, is a mixed-light cultivation site between 5,001 and 10,000 square feet of total canopy. “Mixed-light Tier 1” is without the use of artificial light or the use of artificial light at a rate above zero, but no more than six watts per square foot.

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.

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]

This program provides financial assistance to local governments, conservation districts, and Native American tribes in California for cleaning up illegal waste on agricultural properties to protect the environment and maintain farmland productivity.

Funding and Duration: Grant amounts for the conventional program range from $100,000 to $500,000. The maximum grant duration is two (2) years, eight (8) months, and grant funds cannot be expended before November 1, 2025, or after June 30, 2028.   Projects submitted through the Additional Assistance for Historically Underrepresented Organizations (Additional Assistance) Program will range from $100,000 to $250,000. Program requirements and submission deadlines differ for Additional Assistance Program applicants. Please reference the 2025 Request for Concept Proposals - Additional Assistance Program or email [email protected] for more information.   CDFA reserves the right to offer an award amount different than the amount requested.    

Grantees will be required to accomplish the following within the Grant Activity Period: Convene a standing committee of community members and stakeholders tosupport development of new SLP structure and strategic framework. Model equity practices and principles in the development of new SLP mission,vision, programming, and services. Identify and retain a dedicated staff member to lead new SLP and provide mentorship to that individual. Identify and maintain an accessible public office space for the new SLP. Create and implement a realistic operating budget for new SLP, with appropriate portion of grant funds going directly to support new SLP. Supply anticipated outcomes for a one-year grant and outline any next steps anticipated to occur beyond the grant activity period to fulfill the goals of the grant program. 

This grant provides funding for public agencies, tribes, and non-profit organizations in California to acquire land essential for conservation efforts under Natural Community Conservation Plans and Habitat Conservation Plans.

The 2024 Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP) and Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) offer grants, funded by the California State Budget, to support projects that reduce methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations in California, with a focus on funding new projects and those that have successfully implemented AMMP projects in the past.

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 grant provides funding to California-based researchers, universities, government agencies, and nonprofits to develop innovative pest management strategies for addressing invasive agricultural pests.