Coachella Valley Proposition 68 Parks, Conservation Land Access and Climate Change Response Grant Program
🏛 Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 9, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking to develop or improve lower-cost coastal accommodations in California. Eligible applicants likely include nonprofits, housing developers, and public agencies working on housing projects. Projects must serve low and middle-income Californians and underserved populations, particularly communities of color and at-risk groups. The Conservancy funds planning, design, permitting, and construction of accommodation projects along the California coast.
Funding supports innovative pilots and preservation of affordable coastal lodging. Projects should demonstrate how they increase access to coastal overnight stays for disadvantaged populations. Geographic scope is limited to California's coastal areas.
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Program description
Awards are made projects that enhance park facilities or recreational improvements that expand public access to conservation land or reduce environmental impacts that cause climate change. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis using a pre application form available from the Conservancy. Upon submission of the preapplication form, the applicant meets with Conservancy staff for a pre application consultation, after which the application can be submitted. Further details about the application procedure are available in the Proposition 68 Grant program Guidelines available on the Conservancy’s website. Projects that primarily serve several economically disadvantaged communities (SDAC) with median incomes of less than 60% of the statewide median receive priority; projects that serve disadvantaged communities with median incomes above 60% but less than 80% of the statewide median, or that serve areas that are underserved by outdoor recreational amenities, receive addition points in the scoring process.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Affordable Housing Developer
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Background/Qualifications
- Letters of Support from Partners
- Environmental Documentation (if applicable)
- Proof of Nonprofit/Agency Status (501c3 or government entity)
- Project Timeline/Schedule
Program contact
- 📧 mochoa@cvmc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-760-776-5026
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 6 | — | 0% |
| 2021-2022 | 7 | 2 | 29% |
| 2023-2024 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
| 2024-2025 | 4 | 2 | 50% |
| 2022-2023 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
| 2025-2026 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for Explore the Coast Overnight funding?
Nonprofits, housing developers, public agencies, and similar organizations working on coastal accommodation projects in California can apply. Your project must serve low-income and underserved populations.
What types of projects are funded?
The program funds planning, design, permitting, and construction of lower-cost coastal accommodations. Innovative pilot projects are encouraged. Both new and renovated properties are eligible.
Is there a deadline?
The program operates on a rolling basis, so applications are accepted throughout the year. Check the Conservancy website for current funding windows.
How competitive is this grant?
Competition is typically moderate to strong. Projects demonstrating clear benefit to low-income and communities of color, plus innovation in affordable coastal housing, score higher.
What is the funding range?
Specific award amounts are not published. Review recent awards or contact the Conservancy to understand typical grant sizes for your project type.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on serving low-income and middle-income Californians. Show how your project removes barriers to coastal access for underserved populations.
- Demonstrate innovation. Explain how your accommodation approach is creative, replicable, or addresses a gap in affordable coastal lodging.
- Provide detailed project budgets. The Conservancy funds planning through construction, so be clear about costs for each phase.
- Include strong community partnerships. Letters from local nonprofits, government agencies, or community organizations strengthen your application.
- Plan for long-term affordability. Show how your project will maintain lower costs over time, not just at opening.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when they don't clearly show how low-income Californians will access and afford the accommodations. Projects lacking detailed budgets or unclear construction timelines are less competitive. Weak community engagement plans or no evidence of serving underserved populations hurt chances significantly.
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