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.
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
If you have questions or would like to discuss your project idea, please contact Jessica Lie at
Jessica.Lie@coastal.ca.gov
This program is supported by sales of the WHALE TAIL® Coastal Protection License Plate and donations to the Protect Our Coast and Oceans Fund listed on the California state tax form.
The WHALE TAIL® License Plate is an official specialty license plate issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Proceeds from sales of the plate benefit the California Coastal Commission's Adopt-A-Beach® Program, California Coastal Cleanup Day, and a wide variety of environmental projects throughout the state. The Protect Our Coast and Oceans Fund is a "tax check-off" fund listed on the California state tax form, offering taxpayers the option to provide voluntary donations of any amount. You can also donate by check at any time. Proceeds from contributions to this fund specifically benefit the WHALE TAIL® Grants Program.
Find more grants from the State of California: