Proposition 68 Grants for Lower Los Angeles River (LLAR)
🏛 San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for projects that improve the Lower Los Angeles River watershed and surrounding communities in Los Angeles County. Eligible applicants typically include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal organizations, public agencies, and community-based organizations working in the Lower Los Angeles River area. Projects must align with the Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan and support community economics, health, equity, public realm improvements, water resilience, or drought response.
The grant covers a 1.5-mile corridor on each side of the river's lower 19 miles, from Vernon to Long Beach. Projects addressing immediate drought response or long-term water resilience in this area are prioritized. A two-phase application process is required: Concept Proposal first, then Full Application by invitation.
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Program description
Lower Los Angeles River: The Lower Los Angeles River program area encompasses 1.5 miles on each side of the river’s lower 19-miles, from the City of Vernon to the City of Long Beach. The Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan (LLARRP) describes opportunities for improving the environment of the Lower Los Angeles River. The plan was developed through a watershed-based, equitable, community-driven process and it identified 155 potential multi-benefit projects that would improve community economics, health, and equity; the public realm; and water and the environment along and in the vicinity of the river. The Plan has been incorporated into the watershed (LLARRP) describes opportunities for improving the environment of Lower Los Angeles River. The plan was developed through a watershed-based, equitable, community-driven process and it identified 155 potential multi-benefit projects that would improve community economics, health, equity; public realm; water along in vicinity river. Plan has been incorporated into Los Angeles River Master Plan Update. Funding will support projects in line with the LLARRP, immediate drought response, and long-term water resilience. Applications: Applications will be submitted in two phases: a Concept Proposal and a Full Application. Applicants will first submit a Concept Proposal that will be reviewed by RMC staff for consistency with RMC goals, any specific program priorities, and the strength of the proposed project. In addition, RMC staff will look at all Concept Proposals for location, need, project type, readiness, threats, cost, and cost share. RMC staff will offer applicants feedback regarding alignment with priorities, overall merit, and any ineligible costs. RMC staff will select Concept Proposals to move forward and will invite selected applicants to submit Full Applications. Applicants will be provided the Full Application upon RMC invitation. RMC staff are available to work with Applicants during the preparation of the Full Application, as needed. RMC may request Applicants to revise and resubmit Full Applications, as necessary. It is strongly recommended that prospective applicants contact RMC staff for a consultation prior to submitting a Concept Proposal.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Community Land Trust
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Concept Proposal (as specified by RMC)
- Full Application (provided upon invitation by RMC)
- Project narrative explaining alignment with LLARRP priorities
- Budget and cost justification
- Proof of organization status (501(c)(3) determination letter or equivalent)
Program contact
- 📧 info@rmc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-626-815-1019
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
| 2024-2025 | — | — | — |
| 2025-2026 | — | — | — |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, tribal organizations, and community-based organizations. Contact RMC staff before submitting to confirm eligibility.
What geographic area does this grant cover?
The Lower Los Angeles River corridor from Vernon to Long Beach. Projects must serve communities within 1.5 miles on each side of the lower 19 miles of the river.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects aligned with the Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan that improve community health, economics, equity, water resilience, or public realm. Drought response projects are also eligible.
Is this a two-step application?
Yes. Submit a Concept Proposal first. RMC staff will provide feedback and invite selected applicants to submit a Full Application.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $10,000 to $2,000,000. No cost sharing is required to apply.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact RMC staff for a consultation before submitting your Concept Proposal. Early feedback significantly improves your chances.
- Clearly explain how your project aligns with the Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan. Reference specific plan priorities and outcomes.
- Emphasize multi-benefit outcomes: community health, economics, equity, environment, and water resilience together strengthen applications.
- Be realistic about project readiness, timeline, and costs. RMC staff evaluate feasibility and implementation capacity carefully.
- If your Concept Proposal is invited to Full Application, actively engage RMC staff for technical assistance during preparation.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants often submit projects outside the geographic scope or misaligned with the Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan priorities. Concept proposals with unclear timelines, insufficient readiness, or unrealistic budgets are frequently rejected. Failing to contact RMC staff beforehand misses critical feedback that strengthens competitiveness.
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