2025-2026 WHALE TAIL® Grant

The application period for the 2025-2026 grant cycle is now open!

Application Deadline: December 15, 2025, at 8pm California time

Please read the Guidelines before beginning your application:

When writing your proposal, you may find it easier to work from this blank version of the application form, that has instructions and question details removed. If so, be sure to refer to the full application for the question details!


We are thankful to partner with the California Ocean Protection Council, who is providing $2,000,000 in funds from California Climate Investments for this grant cycle.

Approximately $1,000,000 will support a general pool of grants, and approximately $1,000,000 will be dedicated through a tribal set-aside for projects led by, in partnership with, and/or directly engaging California Native American tribes and tribal communities. Please read the guidelines for more details.




2024/2025 Grant Recipients

Application Walk-Through

We will hold a Zoom meeting on 11/06/2025, 3:30pm-5pm, with a detailed walk-through of the grant application and guidelines, including time for general questions about the grant and application process. Register here

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions or would like to discuss your project idea, please contact Jessica Lie at
Jessica.Lie@coastal.ca.gov



Map of WHALE TAIL® Grantees

Since the WHALE TAIL® Grants Program began in 1998, it has awarded $25.5 million to 1,074 projects.


Resources

 

Other grants to be aware of:


Find more grants from the State of California:

California Grants Portal logo

Funding for the 2025-2026 WHALE TAIL® Competitive Grants Program comes from California Climate Investments through a partnership with the California Ocean Protection Council.