Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance
🏛 Department of Water Resources (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Sep 5, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations partnering with California community colleges and adult education providers to advance workforce innovation. Applicants must demonstrate ability to leverage at least 20% of their budget from other sources. Only one application per organization is accepted. The initiative supports industry-aligned credential programs aligned with California's Master Plan for Career Education.
Eligible organizations include workforce boards, education providers, and collaborative partnerships focused on sector strategy and labor market alignment. The grant funds regionally coordinated workforce development projects grounded in evidence-based practice. Geographic scope is limited to California organizations and regions.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
Approximately 10 percent of the 1,236 State jurisdictional dams regulated by DWR’s Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) have been assigned a condition assessment classification of less than “Satisfactory” (e.g., they have noted deficiencies that need remediation). In many cases, these dams pose a significant threat to communities downstream. As an interim risk reduction measure, more than 40 of these dams have had reservoir restrictions imposed. The loss of water storage from these reservoir restrictions is about 350,000 acre-feet. Many dam owners, even those with sources of funding, do not have the ability to secure funding for dam remediation or improvement projects. This program will provide much-needed grant funding for the repair, retrofit, and rehabilitation of these critical infrastructure facilities, reduce the unacceptable risks to the public, and regain lost storage capacity that is needed to face California’s climate-related water shortages.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Notice of Intent (encouraged, by March 3, 2026)
- Project Narrative with regional strategy and sector justification
- Budget and budget narrative showing 20% leverage commitments
- Letters of commitment from education partners and leverage sources
- Labor market data and evidence-based practice documentation
Program contact
- 📧 DSCR@water.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-820-7876
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 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for the RCP grant?
Organizations in California that partner with community colleges or adult education providers. Only one application per organization is allowed.
What is the cost-sharing requirement?
Applicants must leverage at least 20% of their budget from other sources. Cost sharing is not required, but leveraging other resources is strongly encouraged.
What activities does this grant support?
Workforce innovation programs that coordinate with education partners, develop industry-aligned credentials, and use sector strategy and labor market data. Projects must align with California's Master Plan for Career Education.
What is the funding amount and timeline?
Awards range from $750,000 to $1,000,000. An estimated 10-13 organizations will be funded from a $10 million pool. The deadline is March 17, 2026.
How competitive is this grant?
With $10 million available and an estimated 10-13 awards, success requires strong partnerships, clear regional strategy, and demonstrated ability to leverage additional resources beyond the grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Attend the informational webinar on February 24, 2026, to understand EDD expectations and clarify technical requirements early.
- Build strong partnerships with community colleges and adult education providers; collaboration quality is central to regional coordination strategy.
- Document your 20% leverage commitment in detail, showing specific funding sources and commitment letters from partner organizations.
- Align your proposal explicitly with California's Master Plan for Career Education and use labor market data to justify sector selection.
- Submit a Notice of Intent by March 3, 2026—this signals seriousness and may help clarify any application questions before the March 17 deadline.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to secure and document 20% leverage commitments from confirmed partner organizations before submission. Proposing workforce initiatives without clear regional strategy or labor market data analysis. Applying with partnerships that lack demonstrated capacity or commitment to implement industry-aligned credential programs.
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