Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) – Round 5 – Proposition 4
🏛 Department of Parks and Recreation (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations working on climate resilience, water resources, biodiversity, urban forestry, land remediation, and wildfire prevention in California. Eligible applicants likely include nonprofits, tribal organizations, community groups, and public agencies focused on environmental and climate justice work. Projects must serve disadvantaged communities (DACs), severely disadvantaged communities (SDACs), tribes, or other vulnerable populations in California.
Priority is given to projects demonstrating community engagement, co-design, or community-identified needs. All projects must produce direct, measurable benefits and avoid creating harms to vulnerable communities.
Contact BH UWC staff and attend a grant workshop before submitting your Concept Proposal. The application process has two phases: Concept Proposal followed by Full Application.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
Grant Description: Helps support the acquisition and development of new parks and the renovation or expansion of existing parks in critically underserved and climate-vulnerable communities. Deadline: Applications must be submitted online by December 17, 2026. Grant Amount per Application: • Maximum grant request: $8,500,000 • Minimum grant request: $200,000 No Match. Eligible Applicants: Cities, Counties, Districts, Joint Powers Authorities, and Non-profits organizations. Eligible Costs: Acquisition of land, pre-construction (design, permits, etc.) and construction costs. The grant may pay for 100% of total project cost. If the project requires additional funds beyond the grant request, those additional funds must be committed at the time of application. Otherwise, the applicant should scale the project down to a phase that can be completed and open to the public with the grant by itself or grant plus committed funds. Projects in economically disadvantaged communities with a lack of parks are prioritized. Parks designed with community residents’ ideas through community-based planning and partnerships with health organizations are encouraged. Visit the SPP Website – www.parks.ca.gov/spp – for more information including the Application Guide, technical assistance, resources, and contact information.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Concept Proposal (Phase 1)
- Full Application (Phase 2)
- Community engagement documentation
- Budget with cost-sharing details
- Project timeline and measurable outcomes
Program contact
- 📧 nicky.lambert@parks.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-661-1527
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 | 9 | 9 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, tribal organizations, public agencies, and community groups working on climate resilience in California. Your project must serve disadvantaged communities, tribes, or vulnerable populations.
What types of projects does this grant fund?
Projects addressing water resources, biodiversity, urban forests, land remediation, extreme heat, wildfire prevention, park access, and community safety. All projects must deliver measurable climate resilience benefits.
Is community engagement required?
Yes. Projects must demonstrate community engagement, co-design, or community-identified needs. Contacting BH UWC staff beforehand is strongly recommended.
What does the application process involve?
The process has two phases: a Concept Proposal followed by a Full Application. Attending a grant workshop is recommended before submitting.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, cost-sharing is required. Ensure your project budget includes matching funds or in-kind contributions from your organization or partners.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Schedule a consultation with BH UWC staff early. They can provide critical feedback on project alignment with their Community and Climate Resilience Goals.
- Center your application on one or more of the eight stated goals: community empowerment, park access, water resources, biodiversity, urban forests, land remediation, heat mitigation, or wildfire prevention.
- Clearly identify which vulnerable populations your project serves and explain how community members participated in design or identified the need.
- Focus on measurable, direct outcomes. Vague or speculative benefits will weaken your proposal.
- Ensure your budget reflects meaningful cost-sharing and that all expenses are proportional to project scope.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting a Concept Proposal without contacting BH UWC staff first or attending a workshop. Failing to clearly demonstrate community engagement or co-design in your project design. Proposing benefits that are speculative rather than direct and measurable.
Similar grants
- ROLLING Proposition 68 Fish and Wildlife Improvement Grant Opportunities – (Including Severely Disadvantaged Communities) — Department of Fish and Wildlife (California)
- ROLLING Proposition 4 – Wildfire and Forest Resilience — San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (California)
- ROLLING The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – (Prop 68 River San Fernando Valley – Severely Disadvanta — Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (California)
- ROLLING Proposition 4 Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 — San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (California)
- ROLLING Proposition 4 – Wildfire and Forest Resilience — San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (California)