Explore the Coast

The California State Coastal Conservancy (Conservancy) announces the availability of grants to public agencies, federally recognized tribes, California Native American communities, and nonprofit organizations 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 financial cost, physical barriers or feelings of not belonging, is crucial to how people 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 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. Program Details Coastal Conservancy is a state agency that offers the Explore the Coast grant program to support social services. This funding opportunity is available statewide and is administered by Coastal Conservancy through California Grants Portal. Organizations seeking funding for social services should review the details below and confirm their eligibility before preparing an application. Eligibility Eligible applicants should review the full program requirements on California Grants Portal for specific eligibility restrictions. Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply and to review the full program guidelines before submission. Because eligibility rules and funding priorities can change between cycles, applicants should always confirm the current requirements with Coastal Conservancy or on California Grants Portal before investing time in an application. Funding and Timeline Applications are due by January 30, 2026. Applicants should allow sufficient time to gather required documentation, including organizational information, project descriptions, budgets, and supporting materials as specified in the program guidelines. Submitting a complete application well ahead of the deadline reduces the risk of disqualification on technical or administrative grounds. Program Focus This grant supports social services. Funded projects are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes aligned with the program's stated objectives. Grant recipients may be required to submit progress reports and final evaluations as a condition of the award, and to retain records for audit and compliance purposes. How to Apply Eligible organizations can apply through California Grants Portal. Create a free organization profile on GrantRegister to see whether this grant matches your organization's NAICS code, entity type, location, and focus area, and to receive a weekly digest of every open grant you qualify for. GrantRegister maintains a complete, authoritative registry of US federal, state, and foundation grant opportunities — matched automatically to your organization profile and delivered every Monday.

Eligibility

Eligibility not specified by this funder. Requirements may still apply — confirm directly with Coastal Conservancy.

Award details

Applications close on January 30, 2026.

Categories

Social Services