The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – Prop 68 River
🏛 Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for public agencies and organizations in California seeking to build or improve non-motorized boat launching facilities. Local governments, park districts, and non-profits with boating and waterways mission can apply. Eligible projects include hand-launched boat ramps, parking areas, and restroom facilities that serve the public.
Projects must be located in California and serve non-motorized watercraft users. Applicants should demonstrate community need and ability to maintain the facility long-term.
The program supports infrastructure that increases public access to safe, sustainable boating activities.
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Program description
This program supports The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 is codified as Division 45 (commencing with section 80000) and sections 5096.611 and 75089.5 of the public resources code and section 79772.5 of the water code. Prop 68 authorizes $4 billion in general obligation to finance a drought, water, parks, climate, coastal protection and outdoor access for all program. The Santa Monica Mountains conservancy’s (“Conservancy”) Proposition 68 Grant Program Guidelines (“Guidelines”) Specifically pertain to grants funded by proposition 68 and administered by the Conservancy. Prop 68 River
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Individuals
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- Tribal Nation
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Grant application form
- Project description and scope
- Budget and budget narrative
- Site plans and design drawings
- Environmental compliance documentation
- Operations and maintenance plan
- Letters of support from community partners
- Proof of site control (lease or ownership)
Program contact
- 📧 grants@smmc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-310-589-2899
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 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
| 2025-2026 | — | — | — |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Local government agencies, park districts, and non-profit organizations in California with water access missions can apply. Applicants must own or control the project site.
What types of projects are funded?
Hand-launched boat ramps, parking areas, restrooms, and related facilities that improve non-motorized boat access are eligible. Projects must serve the public.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $50,000 to $1,000,000 depending on project scope and competitiveness.
Is local cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this program, making it more accessible to under-resourced communities.
When is the deadline?
The FY26 application deadline is February 2, 2026. Check the California Department of Parks and Recreation website for future cycles.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start by documenting current public access barriers and community demand for non-motorized boating. Strong need assessment strengthens competitiveness.
- Include long-term operations and maintenance plans. Funders want evidence you can sustain the facility after construction.
- Partner with local schools, recreation clubs, or environmental groups to show broad community support for the project.
- Budget realistically for construction, parking, utilities, and restroom facilities. Underestimated budgets weaken applications.
- Visit successful projects funded by this program to understand what works and build relationships with program staff early.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating long-term maintenance costs or lacking a detailed operations plan. Failing to demonstrate genuine community demand or public access commitment. Submitting incomplete environmental or permitting documentation required by California agencies.
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