Proposition 4 Grant Program
🏛 Tahoe Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Nov 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for California-based organizations serving youth ages 0-25 through arts programming. Nonprofits, schools, community centers, and arts organizations can apply if they provide meaningful, culturally responsive arts experiences. Programs must address barriers to arts access such as socioeconomic status, geographic isolation, disability, or cultural identity. Eligible activities include arts learning in diverse settings that prioritize equity and community connection.
The California Arts Council prioritizes applicants serving underserved populations. Applicants should demonstrate how their program removes access barriers for youth. Geographic isolation and low-income communities receive special consideration.
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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
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- After-school Program
- Individuals
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Project narrative/program description
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational financial statements
- Evidence of 501(c)(3) status (if applicable)
- Letters of support/partnership agreements
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?
Nonprofits, public agencies, schools, and arts organizations in California serving youth ages 0-25. Your organization should have experience providing arts programming.
What geographic areas are eligible?
Only California-based organizations can apply. Underserved and geographically isolated communities are priority areas.
What types of arts activities are supported?
All arts disciplines are eligible. Programs must be culturally responsive and address barriers to access like socioeconomic status, disability, or cultural isolation.
How competitive is this grant?
Competition is typically moderate to high. Strongest applications focus on equity, community engagement, and removing access barriers for specific youth populations.
What is the funding range?
The California Arts Council does not publish a specific award range. Contact the CAC directly for current funding levels and award sizes.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly identify the specific barriers your program removes. Link your activities directly to the CAC's equity priorities.
- Focus on youth outcomes. Show how arts participation builds skills, cultural literacy, and community connection for your target population.
- Use data and stories. Combine participation numbers with compelling youth testimonials about program impact.
- Partner with schools or community orgs. Collaborative applications often demonstrate broader reach and sustainability.
- Address cultural responsiveness explicitly. Explain how your program reflects and honors the cultures of the youth you serve.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when they don't connect activities to equity barriers. Generic arts programs without focus on access for underserved youth don't align with CAC priorities. Weak applications lack evidence of youth engagement and community outcomes.
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