Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy (BH UWC) Proposition 68 Grant Program
🏛 Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy (California)
Can you apply?
This grant is for California public libraries and nonprofit organizations that support these libraries (such as Friends groups and library cooperative systems). Applicants must have at least one community connection in place before submitting. Eligible activities include digital navigation services, digital literacy and AI safety training, staff development, and technology purchases like laptops and tablets for library users.
Libraries and supporting nonprofits can fund staff time, supplies, community organization services, professional development, outreach, and program evaluation. Projects involving internet-connected devices must comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Grantees commit to attending virtual Community of Practice sessions and quarterly progress meetings with the State Library.
Program description
The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Senate Bill 5), was approved by voters in June 2018. It added Division 45 (commencing with Section 80000) and Section 5096.611 and 75089.5 of the Public Resources Code and Section 79772.5 of the Water Code. Section 80001 of Chapter 8: State Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Board, and Authority Funding authorize the Legislature to appropriate $6,000,000 (six million dollars) to the Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy. Grant funds shall be awarded to projects and programs that: Meet the required application and project selection criteria detailed in the guidelines; Be within the Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy Territory; Conform with the Baldwin Hills Consolidated Grant Program and Climate Resilience Framework; Advance Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy statutory programs and mission; Meet one or more of the purposes of Prop 68; Contribute to the State’s Climate Change Policies and Programs; and Comply with General Bond Obligation Law, commencing with Government Code Section 16720 Applications will be submitted in two phases: a Concept Proposal and a Full Application. It is strongly recommended that prospective applicants contact BH UWC staff and attend a grant workshop for a consultation prior to submitting a Concept Proposal.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (specific form not specified in materials)
- Project narrative describing digital literacy and access activities
- Community connection documentation
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evaluation plan with measurable outcomes
- CIPA compliance plan (if purchasing internet-connected devices)
Program contact
- 📧 info@bhc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-563-753-1736
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 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
California public libraries and nonprofit organizations that directly support public libraries, including Friends groups and cooperative systems. Applicants must have at least one community connection established before applying.
What activities can we fund with this grant?
Digital literacy training, AI and internet safety classes, digital navigation services, staff salaries, device purchases (laptops, tablets, projectors), community organization workshops, professional development, outreach, and program evaluation.
Are there any restrictions on device purchases?
Yes. Any devices that connect to and browse the internet must comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Community organizations cannot be listed as partners if you're paying them for services.
What are the reporting and participation requirements?
Grantees must attend virtual Community of Practice sessions, participate in quarterly progress meetings, and submit data on program attendance, outcomes, and broadband access improvements. The State Library will provide reporting details at project start.
How much funding is available?
A total of $250,000 is available from the California State Library for this grant cycle. Specific award amounts are not specified.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish community connections early. The grant requires at least one documented community connection before you submit—start building these relationships now.
- Clearly budget for compliance. If purchasing internet-connected devices, show how you'll meet CIPA requirements and include any associated costs in your proposal.
- Emphasize broadband access and digital literacy outcomes. Align your project with Goal 4 of California's Library Services and Technology Act Investment Plan to strengthen your application.
- Plan for the time commitment. Budget staff time for quarterly meetings, Community of Practice sessions, and reporting data collection throughout the project period.
- Describe your evaluation plan. Include specific metrics for program attendance, user outcomes, and improved broadband access to demonstrate project impact clearly.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack documented community connections before submission. Weak evaluation plans fail to define measurable outcomes for digital literacy and broadband access improvements. Proposed device purchases ignore CIPA compliance requirements or fail to budget adequately for implementation.
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