Explore the Coast

Details
Purpose:
The State Coastal Conservancy’s Explore the Coast (ETC) grant program seeks to provide coastal experiences for people and communities who face challenges to accessing or enjoying the coast (“ETC Priority Communities”). ETC Priority Communities include but are not limited to lower-income individuals and households, people with disabilities, people of color, immigrant communities, and foster youth, among others.
Description:
The ocean, coast, and beaches have long been recognized and used as spaces of joy, relaxation, and healing for many Californians. The ability to experience the coast without fear of physical barriers, feelings of not belonging, or financial challenge is crucial to how individuals cultivate their lifelong connections with the coast. The Explore the Coast grant program seeks to provide enjoyable coastal experiences for people and communities who face challenges or barriers to accessing or enjoying the coast (“ETC Priority Communities”).
Projects should also meet one or more of the following priorities:
Provide an enjoyable experience at the coast or bay shore.
Reduce economic, physical, operational, or societal barriers to accessing or enjoying the coast or bay shore.
Inspire ongoing coastal resource stewardship ethic through active learning and interactive activities.
Approximately $1 million is available for this grant round. Applicants may request a grant amount of up to $100,000.
Applicants should apply for projects that could start in late 2023 or early 2024 and aim to be completed by January 2026.
Eligible Applicants
Public agencies, federally-recognized tribes, and nonprofit organizations are eligible for funding. To be eligible, a nonprofit organization must qualify under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Other community-based organizations and tribes or indigenous communities that are not federally-recognized may apply with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. PLEASE NOTE: Organizations that have a current Explore the Coast Grant are only eligible if their existing grant will be complete by December 1, 2024. In addition, organizations with a current Explore the Coast grant cannot apply for funding that would overlap their existing grant.
Eligible Project Locations
Projects must involve visiting the coast of California including the shores of bays. The Conservancy is interested in supporting programs that bring participants to the coast from throughout the state, including inland areas.
Eligible Projects
Eligible projects include a wide range of programs and activities that help to bring people to the coast and/or enhance their experience at the coast. At least 60% of participants served by the grant must be from ETC Priority Communities. Competitive projects will provide participants with joyful and culturally relevant coastal experiences. Other benefits such as ecosystem stewardship and environmental education are secondary benefits and are not necessary for a project to be eligible.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible Applicants:
- Nonprofit
- Public Agency
- Tribal Government
Public agencies, federally-recognized tribes, and nonprofit organizations are eligible for funding. To be eligible, a nonprofit organization must qualify under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Other community-based organizations and tribes or indigenous communities that are not federally-recognized may apply with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
Eligible Geographies:
Projects must involve visiting the coast of California including the shores of bays. The Conservancy is interested in supporting programs that bring participants to the coast from throughout the state, including inland areas.
Important Dates
Funding Details
How to Apply
State agencies/departments recommend you read the full grant guidelines before applying.
Resources
Similar to This Grant
-
Disadvantaged Communities Department of Transportation Clean California Local Grant Program
2 months ago More Details about Clean California Local Grant Program -
Education CA State Library
2023-24 Sustainable California Libraries
2 months ago More Details about 2023-24 Sustainable California Libraries -
Agriculture CA Department of Food and Agriculture Water Efficiency Technical Assistance (WETA) -2022
2 months ago More Details about Water Efficiency Technical Assistance (WETA) -2022 -
Environment & Water Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Grant Program FY23
2 months ago More Details about Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Grant Program FY23