Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) 2024 Program Activities reopened NOFA
🏛 Department of Housing and Community Development (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 3, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for California-based public agencies, federally recognized tribes, California Native American communities, and nonprofits that help people access the coast. Projects should serve "ETC Priority Communities," including low-income individuals, people with disabilities, people of color, immigrants, and foster youth. Activities should remove financial, physical, or social barriers to coastal access. Geographic scope is limited to California's coast and coastal communities.
Eligible applicants must demonstrate commitment to serving communities historically excluded from coastal recreation. Projects might include transportation, accessible infrastructure, educational programming, or community-led initiatives. All work must promote equitable coastal access without financial burden to participants.
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Program description
The HOME Program is a federal formula grant program that provides annual allocations to states to increase and preserve the supply of decent, safe, and sanitary affordable housing specifically for serving low-income [at or below 80 percent (80%) of Area Median Income (AMI)] and very low-income [at or below 50 percent (50%) of AMI] households. This NOFA is to make available unclaimed HOME 2024 NOFA Program Activities funding, on an over-the-counter basis, until the next HOME Program Activities NOFA is released or funds are exhausted. With this funding, the Department will award HOME funds to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis, in the form of loans/grants to fund Program Activities including first-time homebuyer programs, owner-occupied rehabilitation programs, and tenant-based rental assistance programs.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Individuals
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Project narrative describing barriers addressed and priority communities served
- Organization budget and financial documentation
- Letters of support or partnership agreements
- Proof of nonprofit status or agency authorization (if applicable)
- Accessibility and equity plan
Program contact
- 📧 homeprograms@hcd.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-890-9745
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 | 34 | 16 | 47% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for Explore the Coast?
Public agencies, federally recognized tribes, California Native American communities, and nonprofits can apply. For-profit organizations are not eligible. Your organization must serve priority communities facing coastal access barriers.
What activities does this grant support?
Projects that remove barriers to coastal access for underserved communities. Examples include transportation programs, accessibility improvements, cultural programming, and community engagement initiatives. Free or low-cost experiences are preferred.
What is the typical award amount?
Award amounts are not specified in the guidelines. Individual grants up to $100,000 are typical, but verify current funding levels before applying.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is January 30, 2026. Verify this date on the Coastal Conservancy website, as deadlines can change.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing or matching funds are required. However, leveraging additional resources strengthens your application.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Center your proposal on serving priority communities with documented barriers to coastal access. Use data showing who you serve and what barriers exist.
- Demonstrate how your project removes financial, physical, or social obstacles. Address transportation, disability access, language barriers, or cultural comfort explicitly.
- Partner with community organizations when possible. Collaborative proposals from public agencies and nonprofits often score higher.
- Focus on sustainability and longevity. Show how the project will continue beyond the grant period or build toward permanent change.
- Use clear language and avoid jargon. Reviewers come from diverse backgrounds and appreciate straightforward explanations of your coastal vision.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Focusing on general coastal recreation instead of serving priority communities facing specific barriers. Failing to demonstrate understanding of equity challenges or centering non-priority populations. Proposing one-time events without sustainable impact or community input on design.
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