Request for Proposals for 2023 Explore the Coast Grants (California)

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”).

ETC Priority

Communities may include but are not limited to lower-income individuals and households, people with disabilities, people of color, indigenous communities, immigrant communities, foster youth, and other historically excluded communities who face societal challenges or barriers to accessing or enjoying the coast.

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.

Funding Information

Approximately $1 million is available for this grant round. Applicants may request a grant amount of up to $100,000.

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.

Examples of eligible projects:

• Providing transportation for ETC priority community members to participate in recreational, educational, or stewardship programs at the coast.
• Providing coastal experiences such as kayaking, surfing, or sailing for persons with disabilities.
• Providing beach recreation day trips for participants and their families.
• Facilitating festivals, docent programs, or other outreach events to promote and increase coastal recreational opportunities for ETC priority community members. Applicants should have a clear plan for engaging ETC priority community members in large-scale festivals open to the public.
• Providing overnight coastal experiences for participants.
• Promoting the use of public transit to access the coast.

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.

Eligibility Criteria

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.