Prop 4 – Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)
🏛 San Diego River Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 10, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking to serve as the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) administrator for California. The grantee will manage a competitive program distributing vouchers for zero-emission heavy-duty trucks and buses. Applicants must be able to partner with the California Air Resources Board to administer funds starting in FY 2026-27. The program prioritizes incentives for fleets in disadvantaged communities and includes a set-aside for transit vehicles. Preference goes to applicants with experience managing large-scale incentive programs and fleet transformation initiatives.
Organizations should demonstrate capacity to process applications on a first-come, first-served basis and track compliance with equity goals. Work includes vendor management, applicant eligibility verification, and reporting on emission reductions and community benefits. Experience with clean technology markets and fleet electrification is valuable.
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Program description
Multi-benefit projects that advance a number of goals, including but not limited to: • Conserving land • Protecting resources • Reducing flood and fire risk • Improving water quality • Protecting and enhancing wildlife habitats and corridors • Completing the San Diego River Trail • Providing public access for the enjoyment of the San Diego River Park and open space, trails, campgrounds and park facilities • Removing invasive plant species from the watershed • Increasing native habitat and promoting the re-establishment of native species • Promoting cultural and tribal preservation, and historical interpretation of the San Diego River and its people
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application cover letter with organization background
- Project narrative describing administrative approach
- Organizational capacity documentation (staffing, systems, experience)
- Equity and community engagement plan
- Timeline for program implementation and setup
- Budget and cost structure proposal
- References from prior incentive program management
- CARB partnership and MOU drafts (if applicable)
Program contact
- 📧 dustin.harrison@sdrc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-619-390-0571
FAQ
Who can apply for this HVIP administrator role?
Any organization (nonprofit, contractor, or consortium) capable of managing a large-scale incentive program in partnership with CARB. Prior experience administering vehicle incentive or rebate programs is expected.
What is the deadline and how do I apply?
Applications are due by 4:00 PM Pacific on May 12, 2026. Submit via email to CARB with all required documents listed in Section VIII of the solicitation.
How long will the grant/contract last?
The initial grant covers FY 2026-27 with an option to renew for FY 2027-28 and FY 2028-29 (potentially 3 years total). Specific renewal terms are determined by performance and continued funding.
What does the administrator do?
Manage voucher distribution to fleets, verify applicant eligibility, process incentive payments, ensure 50% of funding reaches disadvantaged communities, track emission reductions, and report results to CARB.
What funding is available?
Approximately $300 million is available, but exact amounts per year depend on state appropriations for FY 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29. Administrator receives operating funds as part of the grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Highlight past experience administering vehicle incentive programs, rebate systems, or fleet transformation projects. Specific program size and outcomes matter.
- Demonstrate strong equity commitment by showing previous work in disadvantaged communities and experience tracking/reporting community benefits with data.
- Propose clear processes for first-come, first-served voucher distribution, applicant verification, and fraud prevention in a high-volume environment.
- Include a detailed plan for achieving the 50% disadvantaged community funding target and managing the transit vehicle set-aside separately.
- Showcase partnerships with fleet operators, transit agencies, and vehicle manufacturers to ensure vouchers reach eligible buyers and accelerate market adoption.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating the complexity of managing first-come, first-served distribution at scale with 50% equity targeting. Weak plans for fraud detection or applicant verification in high-volume processing.
Lacking demonstrated experience with vehicle incentive programs, clean technology markets, or fleet electrification. Generic proposals without evidence of prior successful program administration.
Failing to address equity goals explicitly or showing limited track record working in disadvantaged communities. Missing clear metrics for community benefit and emission reduction reporting.
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