Proposition 4 – River
🏛 Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Aug 2, 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
This program supports Water-related projects must align with Chapter 2 of Proposition 4, supporting Safe Drinking Water, Drought, Flood, and Water Resilience. All projects must comply with Section 91032 and must include at least one specific purpose outlined in Section 91032(b). Eligible efforts protect or restore rivers, wetlands, streams, lakes, or watersheds; improve the resilience of fish and wildlife; or enhance climate resilience, water supply, or water quality. Projects must also support at least one regional priority: improving the climate resiliency or protection of the Los Angeles River Watershed, or aligning with the ULART working group’s revitalization plan. Proposition 4 – River
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@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 | 4 | 4 | 100% |
| 2025-2026 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
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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