Tribal Capacity Building Program
🏛 Strategic Growth Council (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 10, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for California organizations working to prevent Quagga and Zebra mussel infestations in waterways. Eligible applicants typically include public agencies, water districts, and nonprofit organizations involved in boating and water management. Projects must address mussel prevention through planning, assessment, or implementation activities. Both planning/assessment projects and operational implementation projects are eligible for funding.
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Program description
The Tribal Capacity Building Program provides funding and technical assistance to California Native American Tribes, enhancing staff capacity to advance Tribes’ climate- and housing-related work. The goal of the program is to help Tribes develop long-term capacity to secure funding and implement Tribal-led climate- and housing-related projects. More details about the program can be found below: Eligible Applicants: California Native American Tribes listed on the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) Contact List as of February 2026, including federally recognized and non-federally recognized Tribes. Non-federally recognized Tribes must be registered with the California Secretary of State as a nonprofit, a for-profit corporation, or a limited liability company. Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHE) listed in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s National Directory of Tribes and TDHEs. Eligible Activities: The program funds staff salaries and activities that advance Tribes’ climate- and housing-related work. Activities may include planning, securing funding for, and implementing housing projects and related efforts to advance climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Funding Available for Round 2 Awards: Grantees may receive funding between $350,000 and $420,000 total for the three-year grant term. Grant Term Length: 36-month period Grant Availability Type: Competitive Match Funding Required: No Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity: The SGC will not require a waiver of sovereign immunity from Tribes who are receiving funds on a reimbursement basis. However, requests for advance pay will necessitate federally recognized Tribal awardees to sign a limited waiver of sovereign immunity. Disbursement Type: Reimbursement/advance pay for eligible entities Technical Assistance: In addition to providing funding, the program will offer grantees no-cost, flexible support that responds to each Tribe’s needs. The capacity building and technical assistance services offered include, but are not limited to: Grant application assistance; Grant management support; Planning support; Implementation assistance; Staff development; Economic development; Trainings and workshops; Partnership building; Peer learning
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form/cover letter
- Project narrative and scope
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Letters of support from water management partners
- Proof of tax-exempt status (if applicable)
Program contact
- 📧 Tribalinfo@sgc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-324-9775
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 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Typically public agencies, water districts, and nonprofits involved in boating and waterway management in California. Check with DBW for the full eligible applicant list.
What types of projects are eligible?
Planning/assessment projects and implementation projects. Examples include prevention plans, decontamination equipment purchases, outreach, and inspection programs.
What can I use funding for?
Equipment (pressure washers, decontamination units), staffing, supplies, materials, outreach, and inspections. Verify allowable categories with DBW.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards typically range from $200,000 to $400,000 per project. Competition depends on project scope and quality.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant program.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Frame your project as either planning/assessment or implementation to match program tiers clearly.
- Emphasize how your project prevents mussel infestation and protects California waterways.
- Include specific equipment, staffing, and outreach details tied to mussel prevention outcomes.
- Coordinate early with California Department of Fish and Wildlife since DBW collaborates on the program.
- Document the waterway conditions and infestation risk in your area to strengthen the application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when they lack clear prevention strategies or confuse the two project tiers. Weak proposals omit specific equipment, staffing costs, or measurable outcomes. Applicants often underestimate coordination requirements with state fish and wildlife agencies.
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