The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – (Prop 68 River – Severely Disadvantaged Community)
🏛 Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Sep 13, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for California-based organizations offering apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships outside building trades. Eligible programs serve healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, IT, public sector, transportation, and other non-construction occupations. Fire trades programs may apply if approved by the California Apprenticeship Council (CAC). The grant funds three types: planning (1-2 years), pre-apprenticeship implementation (2.5 years), and apprenticeship implementation (2.5 years).
Applicants must be prepared to serve opportunity youth and connect with the Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (IACA) system. Organizations must operate in California and align with the state's apprenticeship framework.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
This program supports The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 is codified as Division 45 (commencing with section 80000) and sections 5096.611 and 75089.5 of the public resources code and section 79772.5 of the water code. Prop 68 authorizes $4 billion in general obligation to finance a drought, water, parks, climate, coastal protection and outdoor access for all program. The Santa Monica Mountains conservancy’s (“Conservancy”) Proposition 68 Grant Program Guidelines (“Guidelines”) Specifically pertain to grants funded by proposition 68 and administered by the Conservancy. Prop 68 River – Severely Disadvantaged Community
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Community College
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
- Workforce Development Program
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Grant application form (agency-specific)
- Project narrative describing program design and opportunity youth focus
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational documents (501(c)(3) status, board resolution)
- Letters of support from employers and partners
- Evidence of IACA or CAC connections
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 | — | — | — |
| 2025-2026 | 4 | 4 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
What occupations are eligible for this grant?
All sectors except building/construction trades. Examples include healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing, education, public sector, and transportation. Fire trades programs need California Apprenticeship Council approval.
What are the three grant types?
COYA-AP (planning, up to $500K, 1-2 years), COYA-PI (pre-apprenticeship, $500K-$2M, 2.5 years), and COYA-AI (apprenticeship implementation, $500K-$2M, 2.5 years).
Who must apply from our organization?
California-based organizations with apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs outside building trades. Most applicants are nonprofits, workforce boards, or educational institutions.
Is cost sharing required?
No. This grant does not require matching funds or cost-sharing contributions from applicants.
When is the deadline?
The second round deadline was April 10, 2025. Check the California Department of Industrial Relations website for Round 3 announcements.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly explain how your program serves opportunity youth and connects to IACA-integrated apprenticeships. Show your track record or partnerships.
- Tailor your proposal to one of the three grant types. Match your scope and timeline to COYA-AP, COYA-PI, or COYA-AI funding levels.
- Avoid building trades and construction occupations unless serving fire trades with pre-approval from CAC.
- Document occupational pathways and employer partnerships in your target sector (healthcare, IT, etc.). Reviewers want evidence of real job opportunities.
- Budget conservatively and account for the full project timeline. COYA grants are performance-focused and require demonstrated outcomes.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing building/construction trades programs without CAC approval. Failing to demonstrate meaningful service to opportunity youth or connection to IACA apprenticeship networks. Underestimating the complexity of apprenticeship program development and grant management requirements.
Similar grants
- 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 — Santa Monica 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 — Santa Monica 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 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 – Community Access — Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (California)
- ROLLING Coachella Valley Proposition 68 Parks, Conservation Land Access and Climate Change Response Grant Program — Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (California)