Explore the Coast

The Explore the Coast grant program aims to provide enjoyable coastal experiences for people and communities who face challenges or barriers to accessing the coast. The program is open to public agencies, federally recognized tribes, California Native American communities, and nonprofit organizations. The grant will support projects that facilitate and enhance the public's opportunities to explore California's coast. The eligible applicants can request a grant amount of up to $100,000, and approximately $700,000 is available for this grant round. The funding source is State, and the funding method is advances and reimbursements. • Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and tribal governments. • Eligible geographies include the coast of California, including the shores of bays. • The grant will support projects that provide access to the coast for disadvantaged communities, including lower-income individuals and households, people with disabilities, people of color, immigrant communities, and foster youth. • The application deadline is 1/30/26 23:59, and the expected award announcement is in September 2026.