Coastal/Waterways Grants
California Ocean Protection Council: SB 1 Grant Program
Deadline: Track 1: March 20th, 2026; Track 2: Letters of Intent are due Friday, February 20, 2026 by 5:00 p.m; Full proposal due Friday, June 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM PT
Amount: Track 1: $200,000 - $1,500,000; Track 2: $1,500,000 - $10,000,000
Match: Encouraged, but not required
Link: https://www.opc.ca.gov/sb-1-funding/#Background
In 2021, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 1 (Atkins, 2021) into law. Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) directs the state to provide funding to local and regional governments to develop sea-level rise (SLR) adaptation plans and implementation projects. In 2022 and 2023, OPC received $37.5 million and $54.5 million respectively to support the implementation of SB 1, with an additional $10 million anticipated in the 2024-2025 budget. Ultimately, OPC’s SB 1 SLR Adaptation Planning Grant Program (SB 1 Grant Program) aims to provide funding for coastal communities to develop consistent SLR adaptation plans and projects to build resilience to SLR along the entire coast of California and San Francisco Bay.
SB 1 Grant Program
The SB 1 Grant Program contains two funding tracks: one for pre-planning and planning phases (Track One), and one for the project phase (Track Two).
Track 1
Track One proposals (projects in the Pre-planning, Data Collection, and Planning Phases) are now being accepted through a rolling, quarterly process.
See the SB 1 Grant Program Solicitation (PDF) for details on this funding opportunity. Applicants must use the SB 1 Track 1 Proposal Template and Instructions (.docx), and be sure to address the minimum criteria listed in the SLR Adaptation Criteria.
Beach and Coast Accessibility Program (BCAP)
Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
Amount: Minimum grant award is $1,000, maximum is $30,000.
Match: Not required.
Link: https://www.coastkeeper.org/bcap/
Eligibility: Federally recognized tribes, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Description: The Beach and Coast Accessibility Grants program, managed by Orange County Coastkeeper in partnership with the State Coastal Conservancy, provides funding to increase accessibility to California's coast. Grants support projects that acquire beach wheelchairs, all-terrain wheelchairs, beach accessibility mats, maintenance parts, and adaptive equipment for kayaks, as well as temporary storage for this equipment. The goal is to enhance barrier-free access to beaches, lakes, rivers, and bays across California.
Relevant Projects:
● Purchasing outdoor wheelchairs and adaptive equipment.
● Acquiring and maintaining beach accessibility mats.
● Outreach and marketing for promoting accessibility.
Program Management: The program is funded by the State Coastal Conservancy and administered by Orange County Coastkeeper. It aims to increase public access to coastal areas and improve visitor experiences.
Application Process: Submit applications via email to [email protected]. Applications should include project details, equipment needs, storage solutions, outreach plans, management and maintenance strategies, and a preliminary budget.
For more information, visit the Beach and Coast Accessibility Grants page.
California Coastal Conservancy: Proposition 68 San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Program Climate Adaptation Funds
Deadline: Opens July 15th, and rolling until funds are exhausted
Amount: Up to $3M
Match: Not required, but you get more points if you have a 25-50% match contribution https://scc.ca.gov/grants/
Project Purpose/Content: Eligible projects will be consistent with the Conservancy’s Strategic Plan and will plan, develop, or implement actions to help natural resources or human communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. Eligible projects shall improve a community’s ability to adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change; improve and protect coastal and rural economies, agricultural viability, wildlife corridors, or habitat; develop future recreational opportunities; or enhance drought tolerance, landscape resilience, and water retention. Projects that use natural infrastructure and provide multiple benefits will be prioritized.
Project Type: Projects must be one of the following types:
● Project planning and design: Actions that will lead to construction, such as environmental review and permitting, development of plans and designs.
● Project implementation: On-the-ground construction or installation.
California Coastal Conservancy
Deadline: Rolling
Amount: There are no maximum or minimum grant amounts for this funding; however, it is anticipated that most grants will be between $200,000 and $5,000,000.
Match: No
https://scc.ca.gov/grants/
The Coastal Conservancy funds a wide variety of projects along the California coast, San Francisco Bay, and in coastal watersheds to increase availability of beaches, parks and trails for the public, protect and restore natural lands and wildlife habitat, preserve working lands, and increase community resilience to the impacts of climate change including wildfire resilience.
The Conservancy will fund most stages of a project including: pre-project feasibility studies, property acquisition, project planning including community involvement, design, environmental review, permitting, construction, and project-related monitoring. We do not fund operation and maintenance activities.
California State Water Resources Control Board: Facilities Planning Grant Program Deadline: Rolling
Amount: The grant amount will be established in the financing agreement.
i. The grant will be based on the reasonable, estimated construction cost1 for the project unless the final construction cost for the project is known at the time the financing agreement is executed. ii. The grant will be established as 35 percent of the reasonable, estimated construction cost for the project or the final construction cost for the project, if known at the time the financing agreement is executed, up to the maximum established by the State Water Board in the CWSRF IUP or as otherwise limited by the State Water Board.
iii. The grant amount will not be increased or decreased after it is established in the financing agreement, provided the project is completed.
Match: 50%, unless Severely Disadvantaged
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/water_recycling/facilitiesplan.html# :~:text=Facilities%20Planning%20Grant%20Program,state%20and%2F%20or%20local%20supplies. The Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP) provides grants to assist public agencies with facilities planning studies to determine the feasibility of using recycled water to offset the use of fresh/ potable water from the state and/ or local supplies.
California Coastal Commission: Local Coastal Program
Deadline: Rolling, grant awards are announced in October
Amount: Proposals up to $500,000 will be reviewed and awarded by the Executive Director; proposals greater than $500,000 will be reviewed and awarded by the Coastal Commission.
Match: Encouraged, but not required
Link: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/lcp/grants/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
The LCP Local Assistance Grant Program provides funds to support local governments in completing or updating Local Coastal Programs (LCP) consistent with the California Coastal Act, with special emphasis on planning for sea level rise and climate change. Grant-funded work has included the completion of sea level rise vulnerability assessments, technical studies, economic analyses, adaptation planning and reports, public outreach and engagement, and LCP policy development. Additional program details, including eligibility information and evaluation criteria as updated in October 2021, are provided at the link below.
UPCOMING:
CA DWR- Dam Safety and Enhancements Grant Program
Deadline: TBD April 2025
Amount: There is currently $47.5 million available for this program with grant amounts TBD. Match: 50% (Local cost share reduction up to 30%)
Eligibility: Any California public agency, nonprofit organization, public utility agency, mutual water company, or private entity that owns a state jurisdictional dam and associated facilities. https://water.ca.gov/Work-With-Us/Grants-And-Loans/Dam-Safety-and-Enhancements-Program The Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance Program (DSCR) provides State funding for repairs, rehabilitation, enhancements, and other dam safety projects at existing State jurisdictional dams and associated facilities that were in service prior to January 1, 2023. This program was established in June 2023 through Senate Bill 122. The program was originally introduced during the public comment period as the Dam Safety and Enhancements (DSE) program. DWR has reverted to the original program name as stated in Senate Bill 122: Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance Program. There is currently $47.5 million available for this program.
DSCR projects should provide some or all of the following public benefits. They are listed below in order of priority:
1. Protection of public safety.
2. Restoration of water storage.
3. Flood risk reduction.
4. Enhancement of water supply reliability.
5. Enhancement, protection, or restoration of habitat for fish and wildlife.
6. Protection of water quality.
DSCR projects eligible to receive funding under the program include the following: - Dam repairs to allow water storage to full capacity.
- New spillway and spillway repair projects at existing dams.
- Dam and reservoir seismic retrofit projects.
- Enhancement of water supply and downstream flood risk reduction such as implementation of Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations.
- One-time projects to remove sediment resulting from wildfires or extraordinary storm events. - Improvements to appurtenances to address dam safety-related deficiencies identified by the department.
No funds shall be awarded for raising dams, increasing reservoir space, or otherwise increasing water impoundment.
Additional Eligibility Criteria
- Projects should address dam safety related deficiencies and deficiencies that have resulted in reservoir restrictions being implemented
- Projects must take into account the current and future impacts of climate change, including the economic damages and financial liabilities associated with those impacts, when planning, designing, building, operating, maintaining, and investing in state infrastructure, per Public Resources Code section 71155.
- Projects must promote State planning priorities, which are intended to promote equity, strengthen the economy, protect the environment, and promote public health and safety in the State, including in urban, suburban, and rural communities, as detailed in Government Code § 65041.
- Projects must provide workforce education and training, contractor, and job opportunities for disadvantaged communities, where practicable.
- Commit to provide operation and maintenance of the project for the expected life of the dam following completion of repairs, rehabilitation, or enhancements.
- Act in accordance with the state’s dam safety program
PG&E Better Together: Nature Positive Innovation
Deadline: TBD June 2025
Amount: $100,000
Match: Varies
https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/in-your-community/local-environment/resilient-communities/nat ure-postive-innovation-grant.page
The Better Together Nature Positive Innovation grant program, funded by The PG&E Corporation Foundation (Foundation), is requesting proposals of $100,000 to fund five projects (one in each region of PG&E’s service area) in 2023 that address a specific environmental stewardship focus area: ● Land Stewardship
● Air Quality
● Water Stewardship
Division of Boating and Waterways: Pumpout/Dump Station Installation Grant Deadline: TBD August 2025
Amount: $6,000
Match: Yes – 25%
Eligibility: Public and private marina owners
URL: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29090
Summary: The Pumpout Facility Grant Program funds the operation and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations on California's Waterways.
FHWA: Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program
Estimated Release: end of Winter 2025 early 2026 Estimated Deadline: TBD February 2026 Amount: Planning: $100,000 min, no max, Implementation: $500,000-no max
Match: 0-20%, depending on project
Link: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/356840
Purpose: The purpose of the PROTECT Program is to provide grants on a competitive basis for projects that seek to strengthen surface transportation to be more resilient to natural hazards, including climate change, sea level rise, heat waves, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters through support of planning activities, resilience improvements, community resilience and evacuation routes, and at-risk coastal infrastructure.
NOAA: Community-Based Restoration Grant Program
Deadline: TBD
Amount: $150,00 to $2,000,000
URL:
www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/habitat-conservation/current-and-past-community-based-restoration-proj ects
Match: No matching requirement. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to combine NOAA Federal funding with formal matching contributions or informal leverage from a broad range of sources in the public and private sectors to implement restoration.
Eligibility: Like Minded organizations from all sectors, including non-profits, state agencies, tribal organizations, and local governments.
URL: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/habitat-conservation/community-based-habitat-restoration Summary: NOAA’s Community-based Restoration Program provides funding and technical assistance for restoration projects that ensure fish have access to high-quality habitat. The goal of these projects is to recover and sustain fisheries—particularly those species managed by NOAA Fisheries, or those listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Since its start in 1996, the Community-based Restoration Program has contributed technical assistance and nearly $217 million to more than 2,200 coastal habitat restoration projects. These projects have restored more than 93,000 acres of habitat and opened more than 4,300 stream miles for fish migration. Projects range from improving access to habitat by restoring coral reefs to rebuilding coastal wetlands. NOAA most typically supports implementing priority habitat restoration actions that have already been identified in applicants’ recovery plans for threatened and endangered species. In addition to benefiting fisheries, habitat restoration yields community and economic benefits such as increased coastal resiliency, commercial and recreational opportunities, decreased safety hazards, and reduced maintenance costs. NOAA also offers technical support in navigating project planning and design, environmental compliance, project management, monitoring, etc. to help our partners overcome technical challenges and build solutions that boost fish populations, recover threatened and endangered species, and support resilient coastal communities.
California Coastal Conservancy: Coastal Stories Grant Program
Estimated Release: Winter (January 2026) Estimated Deadline: TBD March 2026 5
Amount: Up to $175,000
Eligibility: Federally recognized tribes or tribally led nonprofits, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies 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 that are not federally recognized may apply with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
Match: there is no threshold or minimum requirement for matching contributions. https://scc.ca.gov/coastal-stories-grant-program/
These are the priorities of the Coastal Stories grant program:
● Promote a sense of belonging in outdoor spaces by presenting perspectives that include BIPOC and/or other historically excluded communities.
● Engage representatives of BIPOC and/or other historically excluded communities to develop and share their coastal perspectives and stories.
● Improve educational content in California’s outdoor spaces by correcting one-sided histories, retelling stories in more appropriate and inclusive ways, and developing new content that shares untold stories.
● Use creative forms of interpretation and storytelling.
We will fund planning and preparation activities such as hiring historians/ storytellers/ artists, community engagement, designing materials, acquiring permits and permissions, and installation, creation, or implementation of project. Please see our Inclusive Interpretive Material Guidelines for specific suggestions on producing inclusive content.
Videos from the Onboarding webinar on how to manage your Coastal Stories grant can be found here.
DBW: Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE)
Estimated Release: Winter (January 2026) Estimated Deadline: April 2026
Amount: Reimbursement
Match: Yes, 10%
https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28816
The SAVE grant program is designed to remove, reduce and prevent abandoned recreational vessels from entering our waterways. Administered by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), grants are awarded annually to qualified local public agencies statewide. The SAVE program, formerly called the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund and the Vessel Turn In Program enacted in 1998 and 2010 respectively, has provided millions of dollars in grants and has successfully removed thousands of vessels.
Division of Boating and Waterways: Boating Safety & Enforcement Equipment Grant (BSEE) Estimated Release: Winter (January 2026) Estimated Deadline: April 2026
Amount: $12,000 to $148,000
Match: No
Eligibility: Local government agencies who can demonstrate a need for boating safety and law enforcement equipment pursuant to the application assessment criteria. Grants are for local boating safety and law enforcement only.
URL: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28778
Summary: Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) provides grants to local government agencies to purchase boating safety and law enforcement equipment through the Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment Grant Program (BSEE). Examples of allowable marine patrol enforcement equipment: ● Law Enforcement Patrol Boats
● Marine Patrol Equipment
● Personal Watercraft (PWC)
● Search and Rescue Equipment
● Dive Gear
● Engines, repowers, and replacements
U.S. Department of Transportation: Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) Estimated Release: Winter (January 2026) Estimated Deadline: April 2026
Amount: min $1mil, no max
Match: Yes
https://www.maritime.dot.gov/office-port-infrastructure-development/port-and-terminal-infrastructure-de velopment/2019-port-1
The U.S. Department of Transportation: Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) funds projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods through ports and intermodal connections. Eligible projects include:
Eligible Uses of Funding:
1. Port Infrastructure Projects
○ Construction, repair, or enhancement of wharves, docks, piers, terminals, storage facilities, or intermodal connections.
○ Rail and road improvements directly related to port operations.
○ Dredging projects to improve access to port facilities.
2. Cargo Handling Equipment & Technology
○ Purchase of zero-emission or low-emission cargo handling equipment.
○ Upgrading infrastructure to support electrification or alternative fuels.
3. Resiliency and Environmental Sustainability
○ Resilience projects to protect ports from climate-related risks, such as flooding or hurricanes.
○ Environmental improvements, such as reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
○ Shore power installation to reduce vessel emissions while docked.
4. Port Security and Safety Enhancements
○ Cybersecurity, security enhancements, and operational safety measures.
○ Upgrades to reduce congestion and improve cargo movement efficiency.
5. Intermodal and Rail Connectivity Improvements
○ Projects improving rail and truck access to ports.
○ Upgrades to improve intermodal efficiency and freight movement.
6. Port Automation and Innovation
○ Digitization and automation of port operations.
○ Smart port technology to improve logistics and reduce congestion.
National Coastal Resilience Fund
Estimated Deadline: Spring 2026
Amount: For planning and design projects, estimated average awards are typically in the range of $100,000 to $1 million. For RestorationImplementation projects, average awards are typically in the range of $1 million to $10 million. Larger scale and/or higher impact projects are prioritized across all project categories.
Match: Not required, but encouraged
https://www.nfwf.org/programs/national-coastal-resilience-fund?activeTab=tab-2 The National Coastal Resilience Fund restores, increases and strengthens natural infrastructure to protect coastal communities while also enhancing habitats for fish and wildlife. Established in 2018, the National Coastal Resilience Fund invests in conservation projects that restore or expand natural features such as coastal marshes and wetlands, dune and beach systems, oyster and coral reefs, forests, coastal rivers and floodplains, and barrier islands that minimize the impacts of storms and other naturally occurring events on nearby communities.
Cal Transportation Commision: Local Transportation Climate Adaptation Program (LTCAP) Deadline: TBD 2026
Amount: Max $50 Million
Match: Yes, 20%
https://catc.ca.gov/programs/local-transportation-climate-adaptation-program
The Commission is required to develop program guidelines for the selection of projects that meet all of the following criteria:
● Increase climate resiliency and protect at-risk transportation infrastructure using California’s climate projections, as specified in Planning and Investing for a Resilient California: A Guidebook for State Agencies;
● Are consistent with state, regional, or local climate adaptation reports, plans, and the Adaptation Planning Guide, including meeting the climate resiliency goals of the region where the project is located;
● Include outreach conducted by the local agency to under-resourced and vulnerable communities related to the proposed project, consistent with the California State Adaptation Strategy; and
● Incorporate environmental equity, protects vulnerable and under-resourced communities, and provide meaningful benefits to underserved communities, consistent with the California State Adaptation Strategy.
California Division of Boating and Waterways: Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Estimated Deadline: June 2026
Amount: Up to $300,000 for Tier I, up to $1.5 M for Tier II
https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28821
BIG PROGRAM IS INTENDED TO:
● Enhance access to recreational, historic, cultural and scenic resources
● Strengthen community ties to the water’s edge and economic benefits
● Promote public/private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities
● Provide continuity of public access to the shore
● Promote awareness of transient boating opportunities
Applications will be scored on how well the project meets the criteria listed below: ● Provides a significant link to prominent destination points such as those near metropolitan population centers, cultural or natural areas, or that provide safe harbors from storms. ● Provides access to recreational, historic, cultural, natural, or scenic opportunities of local, regional, or national significance.
● Provides for public/private and public/public partnership efforts to develop, renovate, or maintain tie-up facilities.
● Uses innovative techniques to increase the availability of tie-up facilities for transient vessels 26 feet or more in length (includes education/information).
● Includes private, local, or other state funds in addition to the non-federal match described in 50 CFR 86.42.
● Is cost effective.
Coastal Conservancy: Explore the River (ETR)
Estimate Deadline: Summer 2026
Amount: max $75,000
Match: No
Eligibility: Public agencies, 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.
https://scc.ca.gov/files/2025/06/ETR-2025-Application.pdf\
Increasing public access to the River is a core component of the Santa Ana River Conservancy’s work. With the Explore the River Program, the Conservancy seeks to support programs and organizations that work with people and communities who face challenges accessing the River and/or enjoying the River.
The Explore the River grants will not fund planning or construction of new facilities. However, through other grant programs, the Conservancy has funded the construction of hundreds of projects to build new sections of the Santa Ana River Trail, trailheads and other amenities (parks, bathrooms, overlooks, etc.).
CDFW: Boating Access Grant Program
Deadline: TBD November 2026
Amount: Approximately $2 million for award this year. There is no maximum or minimum grant amount that can be requested by an applicant.
Match: 25%
Link: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Grants/Boating-Access
The Boating Access sub-program of the Sport Fish Restoration Grant program provides federal funds for facilities that create or add to public access for recreational boating and improvements to waterways that increase access to recreational boating opportunities.
Division of Boating and Waterways: Public Beach Restoration Grant Program Deadline: TBD Winter 2026
Amount: $100,000 to $1 million
Match: Yes - 15%
Eligibility: Local, regional, state, and federal government agencies located on the open coastline or within the San Francisco Bay.
URL: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28766
Summary: The Public Beach Restoration Grant Program helps to fund restoration, enhancement, and nourishment of public beaches through the cost-effective engineered placement of sand on the beach or in the nearshore environment. Carefully planned beach restoration can minimize the erosive forces of ocean waves to protect vital public infrastructure and accommodate the recreational needs of visitors to California’s beaches.
Division of Boating and Waterways: Shoreline Erosion Control Grant Program Deadline: TBD Winter 2026
Amount: $100,000 to $1 million
Match: Yes - 50%
Eligibility: Federal, state, regional and local government agencies by providing funding for projects that stop or reverse the impact of erosion on California’s shoreline.
URL: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28766
Summary: This shoreline erosion control grant will provide funding to study problems of beach erosion, while constructing projects that stabilize beaches and shoreline areas either through the strategic placement of sand or via hard structures like seawalls, groins, and rock revetments in concentrated areas to protect vital public infrastructure.
CCC: Explore the Coast 2025
Deadline: January 2027
Amount: up to $100,000
Match: Not Required
Eligibility: 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 California Native American communities that are not federally recognized may apply with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. URL: https://scc.ca.gov/grants/explore-the-coast-grants/
Summary: The California State Coastal Conservancy (Conservancy) announces the availability of grants to public agencies, federally recognized tribes and California Native American communities, and nonprofit organizations for programs that facilitate and enhance the public's opportunities to explore California's spectacular coast and San Francisco Bay shoreline. 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. Furthermore, joyful memories of the coast can organically inspire stewardship. 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").
DBW: Boat Launching Facility Grant
Deadline: February 2027
Amount: Varies, up to $6m
Match: No
https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28818
BLF PROGRAM IS INTENDED TO:
Funds engineering, construction, inspection, permits, construction contingencies, and other project related costs. Funding for Motorized and Non-Motorized BLFs.