Ocean Acidification, Hypoxia, and Harmful Algal Bloom Solicitation
🏛 Ocean Protection Council (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Sep 13, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for nonprofits and public agencies working to reduce nonpoint source pollution in California. Eligible applicants typically include soil conservation districts, resource conservation districts, nonprofits, cities, counties, tribes, and water agencies. The program supports implementation projects that improve impaired waters or protect high-quality waters. Projects addressing wildfire-related pollution are also eligible. Geographic scope is limited to California.
Funded activities include livestock fencing, agricultural best management practices, sediment dredging, habitat restoration, and rural road repairs. Planning projects are occasionally funded but most awards support on-the-ground implementation. Multi-jurisdictional and regional projects are encouraged.
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Program description
The Monitoring, Research, and Modeling to Support Ocean Acidification, Hypoxia, and Marine Harmful Algal Bloom Management in California solicitation provides funding to enhance scientific understanding of these two water quality concerns in order to advance the State’s response related to growing threats to California’s coastal ecosystems and communities. The solicitation includes two funding tracks: Track 1: Advancing Knowledge of the Biological Impacts of Ocean Acidification and HypoxiaTrack 2: Marine Harmful Algal Bloom Research Monitoring, and Synthesis for Early Warning, Control, and Ecosystem Resiliency Letters of intent (LOI) for both tracks are due Friday, March 6, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. More information and instructions for applying can be found in the solicitation. This solicitation is part of California Climate Investments.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project Narrative/Description
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Cost Share Documentation
- Environmental Monitoring Plan
- Letters of Support/Partnership Agreements
- Organization Qualifications/Experience
Program contact
- 📧 kyla.kelly@resources.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-653-0539
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 | 6 | 1 | 17% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Resource conservation districts, soil conservation districts, nonprofits, and local government agencies in California. Tribal organizations are also eligible.
What kinds of projects does this fund?
Implementation projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution, including habitat restoration, agricultural best practices, road repairs, and sediment removal. Planning projects are occasionally funded.
Is there a deadline?
Yes, the deadline is typically in late fall (check with the State Water Resources Control Board for exact dates). Multi-year projects are supported.
How much can I request?
Awards range from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Cost sharing is required. Exact match percentage varies by project type.
What makes applications competitive?
Focus on impaired waters, strong community partnerships, clear environmental outcomes, and cost-effective implementation. Projects in underrepresented regions may be prioritized.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate how your project directly addresses nonpoint source pollution in California's impaired waters. Use specific water quality data.
- Build partnerships with other agencies and organizations. Multi-jurisdictional projects are more competitive.
- Provide detailed implementation timelines and realistic budgets with clear cost-share commitments.
- Show long-term sustainability and maintenance plans. Funders want lasting environmental improvements.
- Use the latest best management practices and include monitoring/evaluation plans to measure pollution reduction outcomes.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak documentation of water quality impairment and how the project reduces pollution. Inadequate cost sharing or unclear funding match commitments. Vague implementation timelines without specific, measurable milestones.
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