Through this partnership, Parks California is excited to expand the Route to Parks grants program this year with increased opportunities for water-related outdoor access and experiences.
Donor Name: Parks California
State: California
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 08/08/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
The program aims to improve park access for all Californians, helping them create authentic connections with nature.
This program is made possible through a public-private partnership, supported by private fundraising by Parks California, and the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Waterway Connections Initiative. Route to Parks is aligned with the goals of California Natural Resources Agency’s Outdoors for All program.
This initiative supports local organizations in overcoming transportation challenges, ensuring historically marginalized communities can visit and enjoy California State Parks.
Funding Information
Under this grant cycle, Parks California anticipates grant awards will average between $25,000 and $30,000.
Grant Period
Applicants should apply for projects that start January 1, 2026 with the intention of completion by December 31, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
- For the 2026 grant cycle, they are seeking proposals that address the following criteria:
- Remove access barriers, including transportation, to California State Parks;
- Reach underserved communities that may face challenges getting to or enjoying parks, and/or lack opportunities to create meaningful connections to nature;
- Offer valuable recreational, environmental, cultural or historical learning experiences, a majority of which take place at California State Parks;
- Strengthen collaboration and partnership between applicants and California State Parks.
- Coordination with relevant California State Parks staff is required prior to application.
- Preference will be given to proposals that:
- Include programming and/or experiences at California State Parks, and State Park partnerships that connect people to inland waterways;
- Deliver memorable experiences in nature through collaboration with other stakeholders to build expertise and deliver programs that they alone would not be able to provide;
- Provide participants with multiple meaningful outdoor experiences in parks;
- Strengthen collaboration and partnership with California State Parks;
- Have an innovative and relevant transportation approach for participants.
For more information, visit Parks California.
