The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – (Prop 68 River – Severely Disadvantaged Community)
🏛 Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 4, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations developing construction apprenticeship pathways for women, non-binary individuals, and underrepresented populations in California.
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, community-based organizations, local education agencies, workforce boards, unions, and registered apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship program sponsors. You must partner with a DAS-registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program and demonstrate a four-year history of operating equity-focused cohorts or recruiting underrepresented populations.
Four funding categories support different needs: recruitment outreach ($100K–$500K), per-apprentice support ($5K–$10K depending on program type), childcare services ($200K–$1.5M), and worksite culture improvements ($100K–$500K). First-round grantees must have passed their 2024 annual review to reapply.
Geographic scope is California only.
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Program description
This program supports The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 is codified as Division 45 (commencing with section 80000) and sections 5096.611 and 75089.5 of the public resources code and section 79772.5 of the water code. Prop 68 authorizes $4 billion in general obligation to finance a drought, water, parks, climate, coastal protection and outdoor access for all program. The Santa Monica Mountains conservancy’s (“Conservancy”) Proposition 68 Grant Program Guidelines (“Guidelines”) Specifically pertain to grants funded by proposition 68 and administered by the Conservancy. Prop 68 River – Severely Disadvantaged Community
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Partnership letter(s) of support from DAS-registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program(s)
- Four-year track record documentation (program cohort data, recruitment metrics, or advocacy records)
- Budget by category with per-participant calculations (where applicable)
- Worksite culture proposal (if applying for that category)
- Annual review confirmation (if prior ERiCA grantee)
Program contact
- 📧 grants@smmc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-310-589-2899
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | — | — | — |
| 2025-2026 | 4 | 4 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for ERiCA Round 2?
Nonprofits, CBOs, local education agencies, workforce boards, unions, and registered apprenticeship programs. You must partner with a DAS-registered program and show a four-year track record of equity-focused apprenticeships or recruitment of underrepresented populations.
What are the four funding categories?
Recruitment outreach ($100K–$500K), per-apprentice support ($5K–$10K per person), childcare services ($200K–$1.5M), and worksite culture initiatives ($100K–$500K). Childcare applicants must also apply for recruitment.
How much can my organization receive?
Award amounts vary by category. Recruitment and worksite culture awards range $100K–$500K. Childcare ranges $200K–$1.5M. Per-apprentice funding is $5K–$10K per eligible participant.
What is the deadline?
March 12, 2025. Confirm the exact application portal and any letter of intent requirement with DASGrantUnit@dir.ca.gov.
Can first-round grantees apply again?
Only if you passed your annual review as of December 31, 2024. Contact the grant unit to verify your status.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Partner early. Secure a DAS-registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program as a collaborator before drafting your proposal. Include signed letters of support.
- Document your equity history. Clearly describe your four-year track record of operating equity-focused cohorts or recruiting women, non-binary, and underrepresented populations.
- Be specific about participant numbers. For per-apprentice funding, state exactly how many eligible participants you'll serve. Budget clarity drives competitiveness.
- Address worksite culture holistically. If applying for worksite culture funding, detail mentoring, mental health support, and anti-harassment training for both apprentices and journey workers.
- Bundle strategically. Childcare applicants must include recruitment; consider combining categories if your organization's capacity and mission allow it.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without a validated DAS-registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship partner. Not demonstrating a clear four-year track record of equity-focused work in construction apprenticeships or recruitment. Failing to articulate specific, measurable participant numbers and budget justifications for each category requested.
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