Youth Community Access Grant Program (Round 4)
🏛 CA Natural Resources Agency (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for public agencies and private non-profit organizations in California serving deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Applicants must provide employment services through America's Job Center of California (AJCC) locations. Activities include specialized counseling, interpretation services, job placement, follow-up services, and advocacy ensuring equal access to employment services. Individuals cannot apply directly; only organizations may submit proposals.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
California voters passed the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Proposition 64) on November 8, 2016, which legalized the recreational sale and use of cannabis to people over the age of 21 and levied new excise taxes on the cultivation and retail sale of all state-regulated cannabis. Proposition 64 created the Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Account (YEPEITA) into which the State Controller deposits 60% of the tax revenue from marijuana sales for youth programs to support youth substance use prevention, which is overseen by the Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS). A portion of these funds are appropriated to the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) for grants to support youth access to natural or cultural resources, with a focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities. Funding is distributed by CNRA as grants awarded through the Youth Community Access (YCA) grant program.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Notice of Intent (encouraged by June 12, 2026)
- Proposal narrative with program design
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of organizational capacity
- Commitment letters from AJCC partners
- Description of interpretation and accessibility services
Program contact
- 📧 ycagrants@resources.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-653-2812
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Public agencies and private non-profit organizations in California are eligible. Individual applicants cannot apply.
What is the deadline and how do I submit?
Proposals are due by 3 p.m. PT on June 18, 2026. The EDD encourages a Notice of Intent by June 12, 2026.
What activities does this grant fund?
The program funds specialized counseling, interpretation services, job placement, follow-up services, and advocacy for deaf and hard of hearing employment seekers.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required, but leveraging additional funds and in-kind resources is encouraged to maximize impact.
What is the funding amount?
Up to $2.7 million is available for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Year 2026-27. Individual award amounts are not specified.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Attend the informational webinar on June 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PT. Pre-registration is required on the EDD website.
- Submit a Notice of Intent by June 12, 2026 at noon PT to WSBSFP2@edd.ca.gov to signal serious interest.
- Plan to serve deaf and hard of hearing populations through existing or new AJCC locations across California.
- Include interpretation services, counseling, and job placement activities in your proposal design.
- Identify and document any leveraged funds or in-kind resources from businesses, labor organizations, or government programs.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate proven capacity to serve deaf and hard of hearing populations effectively. Not including detailed interpretation services and specialized accessibility accommodations in your program design. Submitting proposals without attending the informational webinar or contacting EDD for clarification on local priorities.
Similar grants
- ROLLING Proposition 4 Grant Program — Tahoe Conservancy (California)
- ROLLING San Joaquin River Conservancy — Wildlife Conservation Board (California)
- ROLLING 2027 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Grant Program – Clean Water Act section 319(h) — State Water Resources Control Board (California)
- ROLLING Inland Wetlands Conservation — Wildlife Conservation Board (California)
- ROLLING Public Access — Wildlife Conservation Board (California)