Proposition 4 Grant Program
🏛 Tahoe Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Sep 5, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for charter schools and their facilities development in California. Public charter schools and charter school developers can apply to access funding for capital projects, facility improvements, and infrastructure needs. The program supports schools serving K-12 students across California. Awards are distributed through the California School Finance Authority in multiple funding rounds beginning in 2025-26.
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Program description
The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) leads California’s efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin (Basin). The Conservancy uses available funding to accomplish its mission and Strategic Plan through grants for land acquisition, planning, implementation, and monitoring on the California side of the Basin. California voters approved Proposition 4 (the Climate Bond), the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clear Air Bond, on November 5, 2024. The measure authorizes $4.1 billion in general obligation bonds to finance a drought, water, parks, climate, coastal protection, and outdoor access for all program. Per Public Resources Code section 91520, subdivision (i), the bond allocates $25.5 million to the Conservancy for watershed improvement, forest health, biomass utilization, chaparral and forest restoration, and workforce development. Per Public Resources Code section 93020, subdivision (a), the bond allocates $29 million to the Conservancy to reduce the risks of climate change impacts upon communities, fish and wildlife, and natural resources, and increase public access. Typically, the Conservancy funds grants on a rolling basis without a request for proposals or due dates, but certain funding sources or programs involve funding announcements or specific requirements. All applicants must complete a pre-application (letter of intent) and receive approval to move on to an application. Conservancy staff are available to consult with grant applicants prior to, or during, any step in this process. Please refer to the Grant Guidelines (https://tahoe.ca.gov/grant-guidelines/) for additional information on eligible activities, funding priorities, funding considerations, grant categories, administrative requirements, and grant process. For additional questions visit the website at https://tahoe.ca.gov/grants/ or contact Conservancy staff at grants@tahoe.ca.gov. Note: At this time the Conservancy has received Proposition 4 (Climate Bond) Wildfire and Forest Resilience early action funding. Prop. 4 Protect Biodiversity and Accelerating Nature-Based Climate Solutions funding is not yet available.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- School charter and current authorization documentation
- Detailed facility project plan with scope and timeline
- Capital needs assessment
- Budget and cost estimates for project
- Evidence of board approval for project
Program contact
- 📧 grants@tahoe.ca.gov
- 📞 1-530-542-5580
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 | — | — | — |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Public charter schools and charter school organizations in California. Traditional public schools and private schools are not eligible.
When do applications open and close?
The program operates on rolling application rounds starting in the 2025-26 school year. Check with the California School Finance Authority for specific round deadlines.
What can charter schools use grant funding for?
Capital projects and facility improvements. This may include new construction, renovation, equipment, and infrastructure upgrades.
How competitive is this funding?
With $30 million available statewide across multiple rounds, demand likely exceeds supply. Well-developed facility plans and strong organizational capacity improve competitiveness.
What award amounts can schools expect?
Award amounts vary by project scope and round. Contact the Authority for typical grant ranges.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Develop a detailed capital plan showing facility needs, timeline, and budget before applying. Vague requests are less competitive.
- Connect your facility project to student outcomes and school mission. Show how better facilities improve learning.
- Ensure your school's governance structure and financial management are strong. Weak operations reduce funding appeal.
- Work with your authorizer early to align facility plans with school performance expectations.
- Document community support for your project through board resolutions or stakeholder engagement evidence.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting unfocused projects without clear timelines or cost breakdowns. Requesting funding for operational costs instead of capital improvements. Underestimating the complexity of facility projects and timeline to completion.
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