Explore the Coast

Purpose

The State Coastal Conservancy’s Explore the Coast (ETC) grant program seeks to provide coastal experiences for people and communities who face challenges to accessing or enjoying the coast (“ETC Priority Communities”). ETC Priority Communities include but are not limited to lower-income individuals and households, people with disabilities, people of color, immigrant communities, and foster youth, among others.

Description

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”). 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.Approximately $1 million is available for this grant round. Applicants may request a grant amount of up to $100,000. Applicants should apply for projects that could start in late 2023 or early 2024 and aim to be completed by January 2026. Eligible ApplicantsPublic 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. Eligible Project LocationsProjects 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. Eligible ProjectsEligible 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.