GrantExec

California Recreation Grants

Explore 198 grant opportunities

Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Pumpout/Dump Station Installation Grant
$75,000
California Department of Parks and Recreation
State

Application Deadline

Dec 19, 2025

Date Added

Nov 19, 2025

This grant provides funding to local governments and private businesses for the installation and maintenance of sewage disposal stations to promote environmentally responsible boating in California.

Environment
For profit organizations other than small businesses
City of Palm Desert Bicycle Rack Incentive Program
$20,000
City of Palm Desert
Local
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Dec 6, 2023

This program provides bicycle racks at little to no cost for commercial property owners in Palm Desert, promoting cycling and supporting local businesses while enhancing community infrastructure.

Community Development
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Explore the Coast
$100,000
California State Coastal Conservancy
State

Application Deadline

Jan 30, 2026

Date Added

Nov 20, 2025

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-centered projects that enhance coastal access and enjoyment for historically underserved populations in California, including low-income communities, individuals with disabilities, and people of color.

Recreation
Nonprofits
Proposition 68 Grant Program
$4,000,000
California Tahoe Conservancy
State
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jul 5, 2024

This funding provides financial support for projects that restore natural resources, enhance public access to outdoor recreation, and promote community resilience against wildfires in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Environment
Nonprofits
Habitat Enhancement and Restoration
Contact for amount
California Wildlife Conservation Board
State
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Oct 11, 2023

This program provides funding for projects that restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitats across the state, targeting local governments, conservation organizations, and other eligible entities involved in environmental restoration efforts.

Environment
Nonprofits
Lower American River Conservancy Program
$3,840,000
California Wildlife Conservation Board
State
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Sep 18, 2023

This program provides funding to local agencies and nonprofit organizations for projects that restore, enhance, and improve public access to the natural and recreational resources of the American River Parkway.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Nonprofits
Del Mar Foundation Grants
Contact for amount
Del Mar Foundation
Private
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Apr 8, 2024

This grant provides financial support and resources to nonprofit organizations in Del Mar for projects that enhance community pride, preserve open spaces, and improve local cultural programs and events.

Community Development
Nonprofits
Tahoe for All
$150,000
California Tahoe Conservancy
State

Application Deadline

Dec 19, 2025

Date Added

Sep 18, 2025

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that create inclusive outdoor experiences for historically underserved communities facing barriers to accessing recreation in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Recreation
Nonprofits
San Marcos Community Foundation Grant
$10,000
San Marcos Community Foundation
Private
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

May 30, 2025

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life for residents in San Marcos, California, focusing on various community initiatives such as arts, education, health, and environmental programs.

Community Development
Nonprofits
Division of Boating and Waterways Sewage Management Operation and Maintenance Grant
Contact for amount
California Department of Parks and Recreation
State

Application Deadline

Dec 19, 2025

Date Added

Nov 19, 2025

This program provides financial support to marina operators in California for the maintenance and operation of sewage pumpout systems, ensuring responsible waste management for recreational boaters.

Environment
Small businesses
Public Access
$5,000,000
California Wildlife Conservation Board
State
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Sep 18, 2023

This funding opportunity supports projects that enhance public access to California's natural areas, prioritizing initiatives for boating, hunting, fishing, and wildlife-oriented recreation, aimed at benefiting all residents.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Nonprofits
F25AS00283 2025 State and Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan Grant Program
$150,000
U.S. Department of the Interior (Fish and Wildlife Service)
Federal

Application Deadline

Dec 15, 2025

Date Added

Aug 5, 2025

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

Environment
State governments
Know Your Neighbors Grant
$1,200
City of Palo Alto
Local
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Dec 6, 2023

This funding initiative provides financial support to Palo Alto residents for neighborhood events that promote community engagement and strengthen local connections.

Community Development
Nonprofits
Explore the Coast Overnight
$5,000,000
California Coastal Conservancy
State
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

May 20, 2024

This grant provides funding to improve and create affordable coastal accommodations for Californians, especially those from low and middle-income households and underserved communities, to enhance their access to the coast.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Nonprofits
Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Statewide Sign Grant Program FY26
$10,000
California State Parks - Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW)
State

Application Deadline

Feb 2, 2026

Date Added

Mar 18, 2025

This grant provides financial assistance to public agencies in California for the development and improvement of boating facilities to enhance public access to waterways.

Environment
City or township governments
Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Directed Grant Program (2025-2027)
$30,000,000
Sierra Nevada Conservancy
State
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jul 2, 2025

This grant provides funding to public agencies, nonprofits, and tribal entities for projects that enhance sustainable recreation, tourism, and equitable access to public lands in the Sierra-Cascade Region, particularly benefiting underrepresented communities.

Recreation
State governments
Division of Boating and Waterways Public Beach Restoration Grant Program
$11,500,000
California Department of Parks and Recreation (DBW)
State

Application Deadline

Feb 2, 2026

Date Added

Nov 20, 2025

This grant provides financial assistance to public agencies in California for projects that combat shoreline erosion and restore public beaches.

Environment
State governments
Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Statewide Non-Motorized Boat Launching Facility Grant Program FY26
$1,000,000
California State Parks - Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW)
State

Application Deadline

Feb 2, 2026

Date Added

Mar 18, 2025

This grant provides funding to public agencies in California for the development and improvement of recreational boating access facilities, including ramps and parking areas, to enhance public access to waterways for both motorized and non-motorized boaters.

Environment
City or township governments
San Joaquin River Conservancy
$6,000,000
California Wildlife Conservation Board
State
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Sep 18, 2023

This grant provides funding to support the preservation and enhancement of the San Joaquin River's natural and cultural resources, focusing on property acquisition, habitat restoration, and improvements for public access and recreation.

Environment
Nonprofits
2025–26 After School Education and Safety grant program (Round 2)
$355,118
California Department of Education
State

Application Deadline

Dec 3, 2025

Date Added

Nov 6, 2025

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local educational agencies and community organizations in California to create after-school programs that enhance literacy, academic achievement, and student safety for children in kindergarten through ninth grade.

Education
Independent school districts