2026 Local Partnership Competitive Program
🏛 Transportation Commission (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for California communities and organizations planning to develop Community Resilience Centers. Applicants must have a Lead Applicant plus at least one Partner organization. Partnerships should demonstrate commitment to planning, community engagement, and future implementation of resilience facilities.
Planning activities must focus on site identification, design, community accessibility, and preparation for future construction or retrofit. Applicants benefit from connecting to implementation funding opportunities beyond just the CRC Program.
Priority consideration is given to Tribal applicants for technical assistance. Application TA is available to eligible applicants during the application period.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The primary objective of this program is to provide funding to counties, cities, districts, and regional transportation agencies in which voters have approved fees or taxes dedicated solely to transportation improvements or that have imposed fees, including uniform developer fees, dedicated solely to transportation improvements [as defined by Government Code Section 8879.67(b)]. Consistent with the intent behind Senate Bill 1, the Commission intends this program to balance the need to direct increased revenue to the state’s highest transportation needs while fairly distributing the economic impact of increased funding. The Local Partnership Program provides funding to local and regional agencies to improve: Aging Infrastructure Road Conditions Active Transportation Transit and rail Health and Safety Benefits
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Lead Applicant and Partner contact information
- Letter of Commitment from Lead Applicant and each Partner
- Project narrative describing planning activities
- Community engagement plan
- Timeline for planning activities
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organization information (tax status, capacity)
Program contact
- 📧 leishara.ward@catc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-396-1433
FAQ
Who can apply for the CRC Planning Grant?
Lead Applicants plus at least one Partner organization can apply. Eligible entity types aren't fully specified, but community-based organizations, local governments, and tribal nations should inquire. Check with the Strategic Growth Council for detailed eligibility.
What activities should the planning grant support?
Focus on site selection, community engagement, design, accessibility planning, and preparation for future implementation funding. Activities should address climate resilience and social/economic issues.
Is there a Letter of Intent or Letter of Commitment required?
Yes. Partners and the Lead Applicant must submit a Letter of Commitment describing roles, responsibilities, and timeline commitment before the deadline.
How competitive is this grant?
With $3M total funding and awards of $100K–$500K, expect 6–30 awards. Competition is moderate to high. Strong community partnerships and clear implementation readiness improve chances.
What is the typical grant timeline and amount?
Awards range from $100,000 to $500,000. Typical planning periods are 12–24 months. No cost-sharing is required.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start by identifying a strong Lead Applicant and at least one committed partner. Clear roles and responsibilities in your Letter of Commitment matter greatly.
- Demonstrate robust community engagement early. Show how you've consulted with residents, especially vulnerable populations, about resilience needs.
- Use planning time to study implementation requirements. Familiarize your team with CRC Implementation Grant standards so your planning directly prepares you.
- Request Application TA if eligible, especially if you're a Tribal applicant or new to the CRC program. Technical assistance improves competitiveness.
- Focus on site readiness and accessibility planning. Reviewers want to see concrete progress toward a future construction or retrofit project.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear community engagement or fail to describe how residents shaped the planning process. Partners aren't committed or roles are vague in the Letter of Commitment. Applicants don't connect planning activities directly to future implementation funding opportunities or construction readiness.
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