Community Engagement for the California Satellite Methane Project: Third-Party Administrator Grant Solicitation
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that can serve as Third-Party Administrators (3PAs) coordinating methane emissions reduction community engagement in California. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and community-based entities with experience in environmental science communication and community outreach.
The grant funds technical assistance to help California communities understand methane pollution, the California Satellite Methane Project (CalSMP), and emissions data. 3PA grantees receive up to 33% of their award for administration and CBO coordination; the remainder must flow to community-based organizations.
CARB anticipates awarding up to three 3PA proposals. Awards will be distributed based on methane plume observations from prior aircraft campaigns and the quality of submitted proposals. This is a California-specific grant focused on environmental justice and community science engagement.
This grant is for organizations that can serve as Third-Party Administrators (3PAs) coordinating methane emissions reduction community engagement in California. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and community-based entities with experience in environmental science communication and community outreach.
The grant funds technical assistance to help California communities understand methane pollution, the California Satellite Methane Project (CalSMP), and emissions data. 3PA grantees receive up to 33% of their award for administration and CBO coordination; the remainder must flow to community-based organizations.
CARB anticipates awarding up to three 3PA proposals. Awards will be distributed based on methane plume observations from prior aircraft campaigns and the quality of submitted proposals. This is a California-specific grant focused on environmental justice and community science engagement.
Program description
The CalSMP Community Engagement Project aims to provide technical assistance to communities to support understanding of the science of methane as a pollutant, how the CalSMP works to reduce emissions, and the data from the project, and to engage the community on information needs. A total of $4,750,000.00 is available through this Solicitation. Up to 33% of the total amount (i.e., $1,567,000.00) may be used by the 3PA Grantee(s) to support their work with CBOs and administration, with the remainder (i.e., $3,183,000.00) distributed to CBOs by the 3PA Grantee(s). CARB anticipates awarding up to three 3PA proposals, depending on the number, quality, and scope of submissions. If two or more proposers are awarded, the amount awarded to each will reflect the methane plumes observed in prior aircraft campaigns. Specifics of the award breakdown are provided in the following paragraphs. Up to 33% of any award may be used by each 3PA to support their work
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations that can serve as Third-Party Administrators (3PAs) coordinating methane emissions reduction community engagement in California. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and community-based entities with experience in environmental science communication and community outreach.
The grant funds technical assistance to help California communities understand methane pollution, the California Satellite Methane Project (CalSMP), and emissions data. 3PA grantees receive up to 33% of their award for administration and CBO coordination; the remainder must flow to community-based organizations.
CARB anticipates awarding up to three 3PA proposals. Awards will be distributed based on methane plume observations from prior aircraft campaigns and the quality of submitted proposals. This is a California-specific grant focused on environmental justice and community science engagement.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Grant application form (CARB-specific format)
- Organizational capacity and experience narrative
- Community engagement and technical assistance plan
- List of committed community-based organization partners
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational financial documents and IRS 501(c)(3) determination (if applicable)
Program contact
- 📧 CalSMP@arb.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-445-0753
FAQ
Who can apply as a Third-Party Administrator?
Nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and established entities with experience in community outreach and environmental science communication. You must be able to coordinate with and distribute funds to community-based organizations.
How much funding is available?
Total funding is $4,750,000. Up to three 3PA proposals will be funded, with awards split based on methane plume locations and proposal quality. Individual award amounts are not specified.
What percentage can we use for our organization?
Up to 33% of your award ($1,567,000 total across all grantees) can support your 3PA operations and CBO coordination work. The remainder must be distributed to community-based organizations.
What activities does this fund?
Technical assistance for community understanding of methane science, the CalSMP, and project data. Community engagement on information needs and environmental science education are core activities.
Is there a deadline to know?
The deadline is January 20, 2026. Check CARB's website for application submission details and any updates to the timeline.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate strong relationships with California community-based organizations. Your application should list committed CBO partners and explain how you'll distribute funds equitably.
- Show expertise in environmental science communication. Use examples of past success translating methane science and air quality data for non-technical audiences.
- Align your proposal with CARB's methane plume data. Reference prior aircraft campaigns and explain how your service area matches observed high-emission regions.
- Budget carefully for the 3PA administration portion. Document all indirect costs, staffing, and CBO support activities clearly and separately from pass-through funding.
- Include a detailed community engagement plan. Explain how you'll identify information needs, provide technical assistance, and ensure equitable access to CalSMP data across your service area.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate established relationships with multiple community-based organizations or unclear fund distribution plans. Not aligning proposal with CARB's identified methane hotspots or aircraft campaign data. Underestimating the administrative effort required to coordinate technical assistance and data access to CBOs.
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