Coast Grant Applications due March 22

SACRAMENTO — The California State Coastal Conservancy announces the availability of grants to public agencies, tribes and non-profit organizations for programs that facilitate and enhance the public’s opportunities to explore California’s spectacular coast.

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 own 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 may include but are not limited to lower-income individuals and households, people with disabilities, people of color, immigrant communities, foster youth, and others.

Projects should also meet one or more of the following priorities:

• Provides an enjoyable experience at the coast.
• Reduces economic, physical, operational, or societal barriers to accessing or enjoying the coast.
• Inspires ongoing coastal resource stewardship ethic through active learning and interactive activities.
We anticipate that approximately $750,000 will be awarded in this grant round. Applicants may request a grant amount up to $50,000. The average grant amount awarded ranges between $20,000 and $40,000. Applicants should apply for projects that could start in late 2021 or early 2022 and will be completed by Feb. 2024.

The Conservancy will base the size of the award on each project’s needs, its overall benefits, and on the extent of competing demands for funds.

The Conservancy will hold a webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 11 a.m. to noon, to walk through the Explore the Coast Grant Program and address common questions regarding the application. Potential project applicants are encouraged to attend. The registration link for the webinar is at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6439420002881082639. The recorded webinar will be posted on scc.ca.gov afterward.

More information on Explore the Coast grants and application materials can be found at https://scc.ca.gov/2021/01/21/rfp-explore-the-coast-grant-applications-due-march-22-2021/.