Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Program
🏛 Ocean Protection Council (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Aug 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for licensed registered nurses seeking loan repayment assistance in California. Applicants must hold a current RN license and be actively practicing with direct patient care responsibilities. Awards provide up to $15,000 in loan repayment in exchange for a 12-month service obligation at an eligible site.
Geographic scope includes designated eligible areas or approved practice sites within California. The program prioritizes nurses willing to commit to underserved or high-need regions.
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Program description
The Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Solicitation is a dedicated grant opportunity under the Ocean Protection Council’s (OPC) Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program. This program provides direct, flexible funding to California Native American tribes to assess and plan for the impacts of sea level rise (SLR) on tribal cultural resources, ancestral lands, and lifeways. The goal is to promote tribal-led planning that advances climate resilience, equity, and cultural preservation. Eligible project types fall into two stages: Pre-planning activities, such as community visioning, education and outreach, data collection (including traditional knowledge), and vulnerability assessments Planning activities, including setting adaptation priorities and developing culturally appropriate strategies to preserve and protect tribal cultural resources from current and future coastal hazards This solicitation also prioritizes cross-cutting goals, including: Protecting tribal data confidentiality Promoting regional tribal collaboration and shared vulnerability assessments Supporting engagement with local and regional planning processes to ensure tribal voices are integrated into broader land use and SLR adaptation planning Encouraging use of existing data and coordination with local agencies to avoid duplicative efforts Proposals will be received on a rolling, quarterly basis to provide consistent and timely access to funding. Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis through four non-competitive review cycles, ensuring eligible projects are considered when ready. This flexible approach is intended to address the urgent needs of tribes impacted by SLR. Projects are anticipated to range from $250,000 to $750,000, though amounts outside this range may be considered with justification. The broader SB 1 Grant Program offers a complementary Technical Assistance (TA) Program to support eligible applicants addressing significant and imminent SLR impacts. Administered by OPC’s grantee Coastal Quest, the TA Program provides tailored assistance based on each applicant’s needs, including grant writing support, work plan development, budgeting, and other resources to strengthen applications and project proposals. This TA Program is also available to support applicants with the development of their Tribal Cultural Resource Planning Project applications. For more information or to request assistance, visit the SB 1 Grant Program webpage or email OPCSB1TA@coastal-quest.org. Keywords: sea level rise; SLR; climate change; adaptation; planning; coastal resilience; California Native American tribes; tribes; cultural resources; ancestral lands; tribal planning
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Proof of current RN licensure
- Verification of current employment and patient care responsibilities
- Documentation of education loans (promissory notes, account statements)
- Commitment statement for 12-month service obligation
- Site eligibility confirmation or designation documentation
Program contact
- 📧 OPC-SB1@resources.ca.gov
- 📞 1-669-244-0917
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 | 8 | 5 | 63% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this program?
Licensed and practicing registered nurses with a current RN license in California. Applicants must be actively providing direct patient care.
What is the service obligation?
Recipients must commit to 12 months of practice and direct patient care at an eligible site. This obligation begins upon award.
How much loan repayment is available?
Up to $15,000 per eligible applicant. Exact amounts depend on application competitiveness and program allocation.
What qualifies as an eligible site?
Designated geographic areas or approved facilities. Check the full application materials for the current list of eligible sites.
When is the deadline?
Applications are typically due in mid-June. Confirm the exact deadline before submitting.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly document your RN licensure status and patient care experience in your application.
- Demonstrate commitment to the service obligation and chosen eligible site location.
- Explain how loan repayment support addresses your career and retention goals.
- Research eligible geographic areas or sites early to ensure you meet location requirements.
- Highlight any prior service in underserved communities or relevant specialty areas.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without confirmed current RN licensure or active patient care role. Failing to select or commit to an eligible site before submission. Underestimating the 12-month service obligation in planning.
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