Proposition 4 Grant Program
🏛 Tahoe Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 10, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations researching and developing innovative wood, biomass, and bioenergy products in California. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, research institutions, businesses, and universities working on forest-related innovation. Projects must support product development, market analysis, workforce development, or affordable housing in forest-dependent communities. All work must align with California's wood utilization and forest-based economic development goals.
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Program description
The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) leads California’s efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin (Basin). The Conservancy uses available funding to accomplish its mission and Strategic Plan through grants for land acquisition, planning, implementation, and monitoring on the California side of the Basin. California voters approved Proposition 4 (the Climate Bond), the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clear Air Bond, on November 5, 2024. The measure authorizes $4.1 billion in general obligation bonds to finance a drought, water, parks, climate, coastal protection, and outdoor access for all program. Per Public Resources Code section 91520, subdivision (i), the bond allocates $25.5 million to the Conservancy for watershed improvement, forest health, biomass utilization, chaparral and forest restoration, and workforce development. Per Public Resources Code section 93020, subdivision (a), the bond allocates $29 million to the Conservancy to reduce the risks of climate change impacts upon communities, fish and wildlife, and natural resources, and increase public access. Typically, the Conservancy funds grants on a rolling basis without a request for proposals or due dates, but certain funding sources or programs involve funding announcements or specific requirements. All applicants must complete a pre-application (letter of intent) and receive approval to move on to an application. Conservancy staff are available to consult with grant applicants prior to, or during, any step in this process. Please refer to the Grant Guidelines (https://tahoe.ca.gov/grant-guidelines/) for additional information on eligible activities, funding priorities, funding considerations, grant categories, administrative requirements, and grant process. For additional questions visit the website at https://tahoe.ca.gov/grants/ or contact Conservancy staff at grants@tahoe.ca.gov. Note: At this time the Conservancy has received Proposition 4 (Climate Bond) Wildfire and Forest Resilience early action funding. Prop. 4 Protect Biodiversity and Accelerating Nature-Based Climate Solutions funding is not yet available.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Grant application form
- Project narrative or proposal
- Budget and budget justification
- Organizational eligibility documentation
- Letters of support or partnership agreements (if applicable)
Program contact
- 📧 grants@tahoe.ca.gov
- 📞 1-530-542-5580
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | — | — | — |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Research institutions, nonprofits, universities, and businesses focused on wood and biomass innovation are eligible. Specific organizational eligibility details should be verified in the full grant guidelines.
What types of projects are funded?
Funded projects include R&D for new products, feasibility studies, workforce development, feedstock analysis, and affordable housing design. Technology development, market research, and compliance testing also qualify.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is August 8, 2025. Check the full guidelines for any updates or rolling deadline information.
How much funding can I receive?
Awards range from $5,000 to $450,000. Your award amount depends on project scope and competitiveness.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant. All eligible project costs can be fully funded by the award.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your project with California's forest utilization priorities. Review the preferred projects list in guidelines for funding preference signals.
- Focus on innovation and practical application. Fund reviewers favor projects with clear market potential or workforce benefit.
- Include specific milestones and deliverables. Vague timelines or outcomes weaken competitiveness.
- Demonstrate feasibility through preliminary data or partnerships. Show you understand market or technical barriers.
- Build in evaluation metrics from the start. Explain how you'll measure success and share results.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to connect your project to California's forest economy or wood utilization goals. Submitting vague research plans without clear market applications or commercialization potential. Underestimating permitting, feedstock, or regulatory complexity in feasibility assumptions.
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