Proposition 1 Lower Los Angeles River Grants
🏛 San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 10, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations working on watershed protection and restoration in the Lower Los Angeles River region of California. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, government agencies, tribal organizations, and community groups working on water, habitat, and watershed projects. Projects must achieve at least four of thirteen specific objectives, including river restoration, climate adaptation, stormwater management, wildlife habitat, and water quality improvement. The geographic focus is the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles River watersheds in Southern California.
All funded projects must directly benefit watershed health, water resources, or related ecosystems in the project area. Cost-sharing is not required. Both public and private entities may apply, though the program prioritizes projects aligned with California's water conservation and environmental goals.
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Program description
Proposition 1 allocation to the RMC is pursuant to Chapter 6 Protecting Rivers, Lakes, Streams, Coastal Waters and Watersheds and sets forth thirteen specific purposes and all grant funds must achieve at least four or more of the following objectives in order to receive funds: 1. Protect and increase the economic benefits arising from healthy watersheds, fishery resources and instream flow. 2. Implement watershed adaptation projects in order to reduce the impacts of climate change on communities and ecosystems. 3. Restore river parkways throughout the state, including but not limited to projects pursuant to the California River Parkways Act of 2004, in the Urban Streams Restoration Program established pursuant to Section 7048 and urban river greenways. 4. Protect and restore aquatic, wetland and migratory bird ecosystems including fish and wildlife corridors and the acquisition of water rights for instream flow. 5. Fulfill the obligations of the State of California in complying with the terms of multiparty settlement agreements related to water resources. 6. Remove barriers to fish passage. 7. Implement fuel treatment projects to reduce wildfire risks, protect watersheds tributary to water storage facilities and promote watershed health. 8. Protect and restore rural and urban watershed health to improve watershed storage capacity, forest health, protection of life and property, stormwater resource management, and greenhouse gas reduction. 9. Protect and restore coastal watershed including but not limited to, bays, marine estuaries, and nearshore ecosystems. 10. Reduce pollution or contamination of rivers, lakes, streams, or coastal waters, prevent and remediate mercury contamination from legacy mines, and protect or restore natural system functions that contribute to water supply, water quality, or flood management. 11. Assist in the recovery of endangered, threatened, or migratory species by improving watershed health, instream flows, fish passage, coastal or inland wetland restoration, or other means, such as natural community conservation plan and habitat conservation plan implementation. 12. Protect and enhance an urban creek as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 7048 and its tributaries pursuant to Division 22.8 (commencing with Section 32600) of, and Division 23 (commencing with Section 33000) of, the Public Resources Code and Section 79508. 13. Assist in water-related agricultural sustainability projects that promote water conservation. Applications: Applications will be submitted in two phases: a Concept Proposal and a Full Application. Applicants will first submit a Concept Proposal that will be reviewed by RMC staff for consistency with RMC goals, any specific program priorities, and the strength of the proposed project. In addition, RMC staff will look at all Concept Proposals for location, need, project type, readiness, threats, cost, and cost share. RMC staff will offer applicants feedback regarding alignment with priorities, overall merit, and any ineligible costs. RMC staff will select Concept Proposals to move forward and will invite selected applicants to submit Full Applications.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Concept Proposal (initial submission)
- Full Application (if invited after Concept review)
- Project budget and timeline
- Letters of support or partnership agreements
- Environmental compliance documentation (if applicable)
Program contact
- 📧 info@rmc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-626-815-1019
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
What types of organizations can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, government agencies, tribes, and community organizations can apply. You must demonstrate watershed expertise or capacity to implement projects.
What must my project accomplish to be eligible?
Your project must address at least four of the thirteen specified objectives. These include restoration, climate adaptation, fish passage, water quality, and stormwater management.
Is there a required cost-share or match?
No cost-sharing is required. However, additional funding sources strengthen competitiveness.
What is the application process like?
You submit a Concept Proposal first. RMC staff reviews it and provides feedback. Only selected applicants are invited to submit a Full Application.
What is the typical funding range?
Awards typically range from $50,000 to $2,000,000, depending on project scope and readiness.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with a strong Concept Proposal that clearly maps your project to at least four of the thirteen objectives. Explain which ones and how.
- Use the feedback from the Concept stage to strengthen your Full Application. RMC staff will tell you where your proposal is weak.
- Show project readiness. Include timeline, permits, partnerships, and budget clarity. "Ready-to-go" projects score higher.
- Demonstrate local support and community benefit. Letters from partners, residents, or agencies strengthen your case significantly.
- Address multiple objectives where possible. Projects serving habitat, water quality, and climate adaptation will be more competitive than single-benefit projects.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting a Concept Proposal that addresses fewer than four objectives or fails to clearly explain how the project meets them. Not demonstrating project readiness or timeline clarity in the proposal. Underestimating the importance of showing strong partnerships and community support for your project.
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